Licensed & Insured — CA & WA

Construction Site Security

Specialized security solutions that protect expensive equipment, materials, and personnel at active construction sites. Equipment theft prevention, fire watch, after-hours monitoring, and access control for projects large and small.

Aetos Security officer guarding construction site entrance

Protect Your Construction Investment

Construction sites represent significant financial investments and are among the most targeted locations for theft and vandalism. Equipment costs tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, materials disappear regularly, and unattended sites become targets for copper theft, tool pilfering, and vandalism. A single theft can delay projects, cost tens of thousands in replacement and emergency purchases, and create liability issues with insurance carriers.

Aetos Global Security specializes in protecting construction sites from initial permitting through final completion. We understand construction industry challenges, work schedules, equipment vulnerabilities, and the regulatory requirements (including fire watch) that contractors must meet. Our personnel are trained specifically for construction site security, understand the industry, and provide solutions that don't interfere with project operations.

Construction Site Security Threats We Prevent

  • Equipment Theft: Excavators, dozers, generators, compressors, and specialty equipment disappear with alarming regularity. Thieves target high-value items that are easily transported and quickly resold.
  • Tool & Material Theft: Power tools, copper wire, appliances, and high-value materials vanish from job sites. Small items add up quickly to significant losses.
  • Copper & Metal Theft: Thieves target copper plumbing, wiring, and other metals. These targeted thefts can cause significant damage and project delays.
  • Unauthorized Access: Trespassing, squatting, and loitering create liability and safety issues. Uncontrolled access means you don't know who's on your property.
  • Vandalism & Damage: Graffiti, broken windows, damaged materials, and intentional property damage add costs and project delays.
  • Fire Hazards: Hot work, welding, and other operations create fire risks that require trained personnel and compliance with local requirements.

Our Construction Security Services

Aetos provides comprehensive construction site security solutions:

  • After-Hours Site Monitoring: Security personnel patrol job sites during evenings, nights, and weekends when most thefts occur. Visible security presence is the most effective theft deterrent.
  • Equipment Inventory & Logging: We track equipment brought on-site and verify what's removed at end of shift. This prevents both theft and loss of accountability for materials.
  • Access Control Management: Controlled entry points ensure only authorized personnel, contractors, and deliveries access the site. Prevents trespassing and liability issues.
  • Fire Watch Services: Certified fire watch personnel monitor hot work operations, enforce safety procedures, and remain on-site after work is completed to detect re-ignition. We maintain full compliance with OSHA and local fire codes.
  • Perimeter Security: Fencing, lighting, and regular patrols keep unauthorized individuals out and deter would-be thieves.
  • Incident Documentation & Reporting: All security incidents are thoroughly documented with photos and detailed reports for insurance claims and law enforcement.
  • Surveillance Integration: Temporary or permanent camera systems with monitoring capture evidence of theft attempts and provide investigative support.
  • Site Mobilization & Demobilization: Security during initial setup and final closeout phases when sites are particularly vulnerable.

Construction Project Phases We Protect

Pre-Construction & Site Prep

Securing property during clearing and foundation work. Early-stage sites are particularly vulnerable to unauthorized access and material theft.

Active Construction

After-hours monitoring during construction phase protects equipment, materials, and tools. Most theft occurs after workers leave for the day.

Specialty Operations

Fire watch during hot work and welding operations ensures safety compliance and prevents fire incidents that could halt projects.

Final Closeout & Turnover

Securing completed work, appliances, fixtures, and valuable materials during final construction and before owner takeover.

Why Contractors Trust Aetos

  • Industry-specific expertise: We understand construction schedules, equipment, and workflows
  • Flexible scheduling: Services scale with project phases and requirements
  • Certified fire watch personnel: Full compliance with OSHA 1926.35 and local fire codes
  • Rapid response: Quick deployment for emergency security needs or unexpected project changes
  • Detailed documentation: Professional incident reports and evidence collection for insurance
  • Cost-effective: Security costs are typically offset by theft prevention and insurance savings

Construction Site Security: A $1 Billion Problem

Equipment theft costs $1 billion per year

National Equipment Register analysis

The Equipment Theft Epidemic

Construction site theft represents one of the most significant unsolved security problems in American industry. According to the National Equipment Register, equipment theft costs the construction industry $1 billion annually—a figure that has grown steadily over the past decade. These losses represent stolen excavators, dozers, generators, compressors, power tools, copper wiring, and specialty equipment that contractors depend on to complete projects on schedule. Beyond the direct cost of replacing equipment, theft creates project delays, cost overruns, and disrupted schedules that ripple through construction timelines and budgets.

The Reality of Construction Theft

  • Average theft claim: $30,000-$50,000: A single major theft can devastate a project budget. Heavy equipment theft averages tens of thousands of dollars per incident, with some specialized equipment losses exceeding $100,000.
  • Only 23% of stolen equipment is recovered: Most construction equipment, once stolen, disappears into chop shops or is quickly resold. The recovery rate is dismally low, meaning that theft typically results in total loss for contractors.
  • Night and weekend vulnerability: 85% of construction theft occurs outside work hours when few or no employees are present. Unattended sites with valuable equipment are irresistible targets for organized theft rings.
  • Common targets: Copper wire, power tools, heavy equipment, and building materials are the preferred targets. These items are either immediately useful or easily resold, making them attractive to thieves.

California Fire Watch Requirements & Security

California construction sites face additional regulatory requirements that intertwine with security needs. Cal/OSHA Title 8 Section 4848 requires fire watch during hot work operations including welding, torch cutting, and similar work. Security personnel trained in fire watch fulfill this regulatory requirement while simultaneously providing site protection against theft and unauthorized access.

  • Fire watch requirements during hot work operations: California Title 8 Section 4848 mandates trained personnel on-site during and after hot work to monitor for fire risks and maintain readiness to respond. This requirement protects lives and property while providing an opportunity for integrated security coverage.
  • Security presence during specialized operations: Fire watch personnel provide visible security during these high-risk periods, deterring theft while fulfilling regulatory obligations. Combining fire watch and security functions optimizes coverage and cost efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main security risks at construction sites?
Construction sites face multiple threats: expensive equipment theft (excavators, generators, compressors), tool and material pilfering, copper and metal theft, unauthorized access creating liability, vandalism, and fire risks. Unattended sites are particularly vulnerable after hours and on weekends when thieves operate with minimal risk of detection.
Is fire watch required at construction sites?
Fire watch requirements vary by jurisdiction and project type. Hot work, welding, roofing, torch cutting, and similar operations typically require trained fire watch personnel on-site during work and for a period afterward. Aetos personnel are trained and certified in fire watch protocols and maintain full compliance with OSHA 1926.35 and local fire marshal requirements.
Can security actually prevent construction equipment theft?
Absolutely. Professional security significantly reduces theft through visible presence, controlled access, equipment logging, and night patrols. Studies show construction sites with security personnel experience 70-80% fewer theft incidents. Most thieves abandon targets when personnel are present—they prefer unattended sites where they face minimal risk.
How much does construction site security cost?
Costs depend on site size, location, equipment value, project phase, and required services. Most construction sites can be secured effectively for $1,000-$3,000 monthly for after-hours patrols, with specialized services like fire watch commanding additional fees. Consider that a single equipment theft ($20,000-$50,000) pays for months of security service.

Complementary Services

Mobile Patrol

Mobile patrol services for large construction sites or multiple project locations with regular response and equipment monitoring.

Learn More →

Surveillance Systems

Temporary or permanent camera systems for construction sites with 24/7 monitoring, evidence collection, and incident documentation.

Learn More →

Unarmed Guards

On-site security personnel for access control, equipment monitoring, and after-hours site protection during construction phases.

Learn More →

Get a Free Construction Security Assessment

Protect Your Construction Project

Don't let equipment theft, vandalism, or compliance violations delay your project. Contact Aetos for specialized construction security.

Aetos Security Officer Badge
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