It was only two weeks ago that we wrote about how tradespeople need to be vigilant as their vans can often be a target for thieves, however further data from Freedom of Information requests has revealed construction sites themselves are also at risk.

The requests, sent to 27 police forces across the UK, shocking revealed that at least 100 construction sites are being raided every week by thieves - with a total of 6,000 separate incidents taking place between September 2012 and September 2013. Items targeted include tools, materials, plant and equipment, with lead/copper piping and power tools among the most commonly stolen. However that didn't stop thieves making off with mobile phones or laptops either.

What was most alarming about the incidents is that only 35% of them involved forced entry, with a further 5% due to "legitimate access" (i.e. entering with a key or stealing from an occupied site unnoticed). 21% of the incident sites were ones that had simply been left unsecured or protected by easily scalable fences.

It seems construction sites are being specially targeted, and safety measures (whether they are your own or the site as a whole) shouldn't be overlooked. It isn't just your employers items at risk - it's your own belongings as well. With an Access Training construction course, not only do we teach students the required skills and knowledge for a successful career, we also show them how to take proper care of their equipment to help ensure that they may never have to deal with an incident like these. Our experienced teaching staff are there to draw on their many years' experience in the business as well as offer the practical guidance, so you can be certain that you aren't just learning from a tutor - you're learning from a fully-fledged tradesperson. Phone 0800 345 7492 to find out more about our courses.

Via Construction Enquirer