Construction sites are properties where trespassing is not only illegal, it can be extremely dangerous. What can be done to help deter trespassing on construction sites?
The dangers of construction site trespassing.
Construction sites of all sizes are found across the country in various stages of completion. As such, trespassing becomes a concern as many of these site are left unattended after-hours and on weekends when workers have gone home and there is typically less activity on-site.
Trespassing can be intentional on the part of would-be criminals, or it can be unintentional, such as future homeowners looking at their new property, or someone who mistakenly wanders onto an active site. In either case, trespassing on construction sites is not only illegal but can be very dangerous, as these properties contain a host of materials and equipment that could cause injury. These injuries can be serious and result in liability concerns on the part of construction builders. In addition to the dangers it poses, trespassing can also be a gateway to other crimes, including theft and vandalism.
Trespassing on construction sites is prevalent across Canada.
Construction sites are found in communities across Canada, and can be vulnerable to trespassing despite best efforts by builders to keep trespassers out. These trespassing incidents range from wandering around a protected property, tampering with items, or climbing to dangerous heights. Trespassing on dangerous construction sites has led to some very serious incidents that highlight the risks involved. In September 2023, a man fell 30-40 feet down a hole on an active construction site for a new sports stadium. The intoxicated trespasser climbed over a perimeter fence and proceeded to wander around the site without any intervention. Thankfully, they only sustained minor injuries in the fall, but the situation could have been much worse for the trespasser had they incurred more serious injuries. (1)
In May 2024, a man was arrested in Guelph, ON after climbing up 8 storeys on a construction crane. The incident led to a two-hour standoff with Police, as they worked to get the individual down safely from such a great height. The man eventually came down, but Police apprehended him when he arrived at the base of the crane. (2)
In July 2024, a man in Kelowna, BC was arrested after he also climbed up 20 storeys on a construction crane. The incident caused local Police to shut down an entire street to deal with the situation, causing traffic delays in the immediate area. First responders got the man down safely but Police swiftly charged him with mischief and breaking & entering, however, the man is extremely lucky he didn’t incur serious injury after climbing the crane. (3)
How do we detect and deter construction site trespassing?
No Trespassing Construction Signs warn that the site is off limits
Our No Trespassing signage is the first layer of defense we employ to deter trespassers on construction sites. Signs are strategically placed around the perimeter fence of a site to inform would-be trespassers that the site is off-limits and their actions are being monitored. Once they see this bold signage, they will often leave faster than they arrived.
Video Security Units capture trespassers in the act
Our Video Security Units are a complete package of construction site trespassing protection. Our units are connected wirelessly through our proprietary cellular LTE+ platform, utilizing powerful construction site security cameras that are free of wired Internet infrastructure that may not be available on construction properties. High resolution stationary cameras establish perimeter coverage and situational awareness while a dedicated PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera on each unit can be zoomed in on important details by our Monitoring Team. All footage is sent back securely over our MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) network to our state of the art Live Remote Video Monitoring facility.
Artificial Intelligence detects trespassers
Our proprietary AI platform has dramatically increased the accuracy of our detections. If someone enters into camera view, syncroAI will immediately differentiate them from other movement and objects on-site. This help to highlight individuals who may try to hide among materials and structures, which are everywhere on construction sites. AI will pick up trespassers caught within camera view, and our Live Remote Video Monitoring team will then deter them from striking.
Live Remote Video Monitoring proactively deters criminals
Many construction site security systems are reactive, providing footage only after an incident has already occurred. Our Live Remote Video Monitoring team are trained to detect and deter criminals on construction sites, utilizing proactive deterrents to send trespassers on their way. Our team utilizes powerful voice commands and bright LED strobe lights to signal to trespassers that the site is off limits. If criminals continue on, Police will be dispatched to the scene to intervene.
syncroReports provides proof of your protection
We believe in providing full transparency for our clients and their properties. All site security information is available at your fingertips through our proprietary reporting platform, syncroReports. This revolutionary security portal is your go-to resource for detailed Log Reports, PTZ camera control, and project management. Stay fully up to date on building progress, and never miss a moment of your site’s proactive security efforts.
When trespassers set foot on off-limits construction sites, proactive security and Live Remote Video Monitoring can be the difference that sends them on their way before the can commit crime or incur injury.
Resources:
- “Buffalo Bills fan found naked, covered in human waste after falling down hole by Highmark Stadium”, Jon Hoefling, USA Today, September 18, 2023
- “Two-hour standoff after man climbs eight-storey downtown crane”, Guelph Today, May 21, 2024
- “Crane climber arrested after incident closes down Kelowna street: RCMP”, Kathy Michaels, Global News, July 4, 2024