Published: 11 Mar 2024
Equipment theft continues to be a challenge for surveyors. Thefts from construction sites have always been a problem area and everyone involved in the sector needs to aware of areas where they need to be more vigilant. It’s an important priority to focus on for surveyors, as insurance companies require certain measures to be put in place – in terms of precaution and security – for claims to be made against thefts, if their requirements haven’t been met.
Tackling crime together
TSA responded to member feedback and has been at the forefront of tackling equipment theft, since we teamed up DeterTech (formerly SmartWater) to track and analyse data regarding theft trends and numbers. Since 2018, this alliance has looked at equipment theft in detail, and looked to both stop and deter thieves who persistently target surveyors and sites by informing crime intelligence units. TSA and DeterTech’s partnership is working with some of the leading equipment manufacturers – Topcon, Trimble and Leica Geosystems – in the first profession-wide response to thieves who persistently target surveying professionals. TSA now has membership of the Centre for Infrastructure and Asset Protection (CIAP), this analytical function serves the National Infrastructure Crime Reduction Partnership (NICRP).
Anti-crime measures
There are several factors feeding into the ongoing problem with equipment theft. Even the smaller items of equipment are expensive, often costing thousands of pounds, and, once stolen, can easily be reused by someone else.
There are a number of ways surveyors can protect themselves against thieves – the most important ones are to make sure it is locked securely and adequately alarmed. There are also ways to track equipment and if it is stolen or goes missing, make sure you report it as such. Having trackers, immobilisers and alarms fitted to equipment will make it easy to monitor changes in location too.
If, despite your best efforts, you have items of equipment stolen, it is imperative to report it as quickly as possible. Every theft or attempted theft should be reported to Detertech – see more details on how to do this here Equipment Theft – The Survey Association – Report it now (tsa-uk.org.uk). In addition to informing your employer, you must let the police know, as well as the equipment manufacturer and your insurance company. You will have taken note of the equipment’s serial numbers and any important personalised aspects, that will help to identify and locate your equipment.
On the lookout
Of course, with all the measures you take, no precaution can mitigate against opportunistic thieves who pounce when the chance arises. This can be partially guarded against, by not leaving equipment unattended – especially in areas where the public have access, such as streets and green open spaces. You can do this by working in pairs when possible. Even on site, thieves have devised ingenious and devious ways to trick construction staff to gain site access. Always check that anyone trying to gain site access has the correct authorisation and are who they claim to be, even if they are wearing authentic clothing and appear to be construction-related staff.
Locating lost property
Data from your case will go towards building up a wider picture of where equipment thefts are taking place and the type of kit being targeted. This is enormously helpful for the police when it comes to tackling organised crime.
Diary dates
Leica Geosystems, Milton Keynes
We are always striving to keep our members in the loop on the latest information and practices regarding equipment theft and security. We often host open forums or events highlighting issues that the survey profession faces, so we have two dates for your diary.
Tomorrow, Tuesday 12March, we’ll be hosting our TSA Situational Awareness Training Day, which takes place between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Leica Geosystems, Milton Keynes. This useful event aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of staying safe, while working with high-value equipment. It will also get participants to think in a security-conscious manner, be more aware, more confident, more empowered and ultimately safer in working situations.
On Wednesday April 17 we are also hosting our TSA Open Forum on Survey Equipment Theft from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration for this will open after the AGM on 27th March. There are more details on these events and how to attend them here: https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/events/
