Tool theft and site crime increases by over 65% in the last 12 months

Small tools and power tools (52%), copper (48%) and cable (33%) are the most common goods stolen at construction sites in the UK, a report by BauWatch claims

BauWatch – a temporary video surveillance company – published its annual crime report, which reveals alarming trends related to theft, vandalism, and intrusion on construction and infrastructure sites in the UK.

Conducted by the independent organisation OnePoll, this survey is based on the testimonies of 500 industry professionals from across the UK and companies of all sizes.

Construction site crime will reach a critical level in 2025, according to the study of 500 construction and infrastructure professionals:

• 67% report an increase in crime in the last 12 months.
• 55% say they experience theft from the site at least twice yearly.

These figures confirm an alarming trend: construction site safety is increasingly threatened, directly impacting project deadlines, budgets and profitability.

Crime on construction sites is not only on the rise, but is also becoming increasingly professional, organised and sophisticated.

• 49% say they have been approached by a criminal organisation offering mafia-style “protection” for their construction site.
• 31% say they have been offered stolen goods at work

This correlation between construction site theft and a thriving black market reveals the growing scale of a phenomenon with significant economic and security consequences.

One in four British construction projects delayed by crime lose between three and four weeks, which can have a significant financial impact not only on the companies involved but also on the entire supply chain, public infrastructure programmes, and residential construction projects.

The report revealed that small tools and power tools (52%), copper (48%) and cable (33%) are the most common goods stolen at construction sites in the UK.