Construction Job Site Security Cameras: Essential Features & Solutions

Imagine it’s the middle of the night, and your construction site security cameras catch a couple of people lingering near the perimeter. The system quickly alerts a remote guard that would-be criminals are lurking about. Within seconds—via the camera’s two-way audio—the guard warns: “Please vacate the property.”

The thieves leave. The following day, when you and others report to work, everything is where you left it.

The above scenario isn’t a work of science fiction. Companies around the country are already using this state-of-the-art technology to improve their construction site securityA. In this guide, you’ll discover the benefits of the newest job site security cameras to hit the market, their features, and how to tell if they’re right for your needs.

Before we get to all of that, however, let’s dive into why you’ll want to protect your construction site with security cameras in the first place.

Construction site theft: A growing concern

Here’s a cautionary tale: In January 2023, thieves breached a construction site fence in Philadelphia and stole $60,000 worth of equipment in less than an hour. While security cameras captured the theft, the lack of modern monitoring technology allowed the thieves to escape undeterred. Though security cameras filmed the beginning of the crime, these older models lacked the technology needed to alert a guard. As a result, within minutes, the thieves disconnected them before hauling off tens of thousands of dollars in goods.

According to the National Equipment RegisterA (NER), construction site thefts collectively add up to $1 billion in stolen goods annually. NER facilitates information sharing with insurers, equipment owners, and law enforcement. The organization pegs the average cost of a single instance of equipment theft at $30,000A.

Highly coveted items include:

• Copper wire and scrap metal
• Tools
• Generators
• Doors and windows
• Plumbing supplies and fixtures
• Loaders
• Backhoes
• Bobcats

Thieves don’t just hit big construction sites. They also target houses under construction, stealing stoves, dishwashers, light fixtures, lighting, bathroom vanities, doorbells, you name it. Nothing is off limits, with boxes of tile, circular saws, and table saws all walking away from sites.

Why are construction sites vulnerable to theft?

Construction sites are often unattended and vulnerable, especially during off-hours. The high value of equipment and materials, coupled with easy access, makes them attractive targets for thieves. A pair of wire cutters is all thieves need to circumvent protective fencing.

On top of that, the potential value is high.

Finally, thieves are rarely caught because the equipment can be challenging to trace. It’s estimated that the recovery rate for cars is 60%. But for construction site equipment, it’s only about 7-22%, according to an analysis done by East Tennessee State UniversityA.

Best security practices for protecting construction sites

Effective construction site security practices include surrounding smaller, more easily stolen equipment with larger, heavier items, installing proper fencing, and using security cameras to deter crime. For more information on securing your site, check out our construction site security blog.

Yet an East Tennessee State UniversityA analysis concluded: “These practices… may not be sufficient—especially for expensive theft targets.”

That’s why job site security cameras are so essential. Not only do they help authorities to identify thieves after the fact, but the best, newest cameras can also prevent thefts from happening in the first place.

Types of security cameras for construction sites

When securing your site with cameras, you have two main types to choose from.

Wireless job site security cameras: Flexibility and convenience

Wireless job site security cameras provide excellent flexibility. Some models are completely wire-free, powered by long-lasting batteries, making them perfect for temporary setups. Others are connected to an electrical outlet via a wire, while some offer a hybrid solution, running mainly on rechargeable batteries. Most wireless options are easy to install, making them a great choice for homes, small businesses, and short-term construction projects.

For construction companies working on short-term projects like housing development, wireless security options offer flexibility. They’re easy to relocate and don’t need existing electrical to set up. As job sites change, so can your video security solution.

PoE job site security cameras: Power and connectivity

That stands for Power-over-Ethernet. PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) job site security cameras offer a robust solution for long-term construction projects. These cameras provide high-speed connectivity and power through a single Ethernet cable, making them ideal for larger, more complex sites. Though they usually require a professional to install, these cameras are ideal for warehouses and commercial properties.

These types of solutions are better suited for longer-term projects like urban and commercial development. If your company is working in this area, you should consider outfitting each site with a PoE solution in the early stages of development to ensure no lost budget to material and tool theft.

Modern features of construction site security cameras

In addition to the two main types of cameras mentioned above, newer cameras have several value-added features that do way more than capture thieves in the act. Some of these features can stop crimes before they take place.

Night-vision: This technology ensures cameras capture clear footage in low-light or dark environments, allowing for 24/7 monitoring. Some cameras even come with motion-activated flood lights to enhance visibility during nighttime hours. To understand how modern features can benefit your site, check out How Video Monitoring Affects Construction Insurance Premiums.

High-definition color night vision: In the event that thieves manage to take something from your site, these cameras offer clear, in-color footage that helps police to track down the crooks.

Artificial intelligence: Cameras with this technology can distinguish between a human intruder and local wildlife, cars, or other harmless objects. When AI cameras detect a threat, they stream the video feed to a human via high-speed internet within seconds.

2-way audio: Cameras equipped with this feature allow you (or a hired guard) to talk directly to potential thieves, scaring them off.

Live construction site security monitoring: If your cameras merely film a crime in progress, they’re not much of a deterrent. On the other hand, if a live guard warns thieves and alerts authorities within seconds, you increase the chances that your site will remain intact.

The importance of modern video monitoring for job site security

Choosing the right security cameras and integrating live video monitoring is essential to safeguarding your construction site. At Deep Sentinel, our state-of-the-art security cameras offer cutting-edge technology to prevent theft and provide real-time alerts. Learn more about our solutions by visiting Construction Site Security Solutions.

Take the first step to getting total after-hours security coverage over your construction site. Contact Deep Sentinel about construction site security solutions by calling 833.983.6006.