Building site theft has significantly risen, with the UK experiencing an increase more than double the European average.

The BauWatch Crime Report 2025, polled 3,900 construction professionals across Europe, with a 500-strong sample in the UK.

Building on last year’s iteration of the whitepaper, it paints a particularly bleak picture of an industry still plagued by excessively high crime rates.

The latest findings show an industry in crisis, with a 67% surge in construction site crime and well-organised networks targeting high-value equipment and materials, fuelling a booming black market.

Nearly one-third (31%) of professionals say stolen goods regularly circulate within underground networks, and nearly half (49%) of UK construction workers report being approached with offers of “protection”.

It’s a stark and unpleasant indication that intimidation and racketeering tactics are becoming widespread across the sector.

The impact is not only operational, causing significant financial damage and leading to spiralling insurance premiums.

One in three UK workers has had to replace stolen tools or equipment out of their own pockets, adding unwanted extra pressure on cash-strapped tradespeople and wafer-thin margins.

The report highlights that small tools, power tools (52%), copper (48%), and cables (33%) are the most commonly stolen items.

Construction crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with 63% of respondents noting professional tactics like hacking security systems (28%), using drones for reconnaissance (21%), and cloning digital access credentials (22%).

With 48% of UK firms deploying fixed CCTV systems, compared to 23% across the continent, businesses are taking the threat of theft seriously.

However, despite being more proactive than their European counterparts (only 23%), they remain under constant siege, especially as criminals leverage advanced tactics and cyberattacks to stay ahead of security measures.

Indeed, the growing use of drones for reconnaissance, which was cited by a quarter (26%) of UK professionals (nearly twice the European average), underscores the evolving nature of these threats.

The report concludes by calling for a robust, layered security strategy encompassing physical barriers, cutting-edge technology, and thorough staff training. Intelligence sharing with local law enforcement is also emphasised as a vital component in disrupting black market activities and recovering stolen assets.