Construction sites and warehouses face unique security challenges that generic guard services don't address. Equipment theft costs California construction projects over $1 billion annually, while warehouse cargo theft remains among the highest in the nation. These industrial environments require specialized security expertise to protect high-value assets, prevent liability incidents, and maintain 24/7 coverage across large, complex properties.
Since 1997, Scaife Protection Services has specialized in construction site security and warehouse protection throughout Los Angeles County. Our guards understand industrial environments, know common theft tactics, and provide proactive protection that prevents incidents rather than just responding to them.
Why Industrial Sites Need Specialized Security
Construction Sites Are High-Value Targets
Construction projects concentrate expensive equipment, materials, and tools in unsecured environments—creating perfect conditions for theft:
What Makes Construction Sites Vulnerable:
- Open Access: No walls or barriers during early construction phases
- Expensive Equipment: Excavators, generators, tools worth hundreds of thousands
- High-Value Materials: Copper wire, HVAC systems, appliances easily resold
- Inconsistent Presence: Sites empty nights, weekends, holidays
- Changing Layouts: Daily changes create confusion about what's missing
- Multiple Contractors: Difficulty tracking who should have access
Construction Theft Statistics:
- Over $1 billion in equipment stolen annually in California
- Only 20% of stolen construction equipment recovered
- Average construction site theft: $30,000-$50,000
- Copper theft alone: $15,000-$100,000 per incident
- Project delays from theft: 1-4 weeks on average
Warehouses Face Cargo Theft and Liability Risks
Warehouses contain concentrated inventory, operate 24/7, and maintain multiple access points—all creating security vulnerabilities:
Warehouse-Specific Threats:
- Cargo Theft: Organized criminals targeting high-value shipments
- Employee Theft: Internal theft of inventory and materials
- Loading Dock Vulnerability: Open docks during receiving/shipping
- Unauthorized Access: Trespassers, former employees, criminals
- Vandalism: Property damage, graffiti, equipment sabotage
- Liability Incidents: Slip-and-falls, injuries on premises
Los Angeles Cargo Theft Impact:
- Southern California leads nation in cargo theft incidents
- Average warehouse theft: $200,000-$500,000
- Organized theft rings target specific commodities
- Electronics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods most targeted
Construction Site Security Threats and Solutions
Equipment and Tool Theft
The Problem: Construction equipment theft is a multi-billion dollar industry. Excavators, backhoes, generators, compressors, and hand tools are stolen and quickly moved out of state or sold online.
Common Theft Tactics:
- Nighttime removal of heavy equipment via flatbed trucks
- Cutting locks and chains with portable tools
- Using duplicate keys obtained from previous job sites
- Multiple thieves working quickly during shift changes
- Targeting long weekends when sites empty for 3-4 days
Security Solutions:
- 24/7 Guard Presence: Continuous monitoring prevents theft attempts
- Perimeter Patrols: Regular inspections of fencing, gates, access points
- Access Control: Logging all personnel and vehicles entering site
- Equipment Inventory: Daily documentation of all machinery and tools
- GPS Tracking Integration: Coordinating with equipment tracking systems
- Alarm Response: Immediate investigation of activated security alarms
Copper and Metal Theft
The Problem: Copper wire, HVAC units, plumbing fixtures, and rebar theft causes $15,000-$100,000+ in losses per incident. Thieves specifically target new construction for easy access to valuable metals.
High-Risk Construction Phases:
- Electrical rough-in (exposed copper wiring)
- HVAC installation (expensive units accessible)
- Plumbing rough-in (copper pipes exposed)
- Framing completion (rebar and structural metals)
Security Solutions:
- Phase-Specific Protection: Increased coverage during high-risk phases
- Armed Guards: Strong deterrent for organized theft rings
- Building Interior Patrols: Regular inspections of vulnerable areas
- Material Staging Security: Protecting copper and metal storage areas
- Coordination with Contractors: Daily verification of materials on-site
Vandalism and Property Damage
The Problem: Graffiti, broken windows, damaged equipment, and sabotage delay projects and increase costs. Trespassers and vandals see empty construction sites as targets for destruction.
Security Solutions:
- Visible Guard Presence: Uniformed guards deter trespassing
- Immediate Response: Quick action when vandalism detected
- Photo Documentation: Evidence collection for insurance and police reports
- Trespasser Removal: Legal authority to remove unauthorized individuals
- Perimeter Security: Preventing access before vandalism occurs
Liability and Safety Concerns
The Problem: Unsecured construction sites attract trespassers, creating liability exposure. Injuries, accidents, or deaths on your property—even to trespassers—can result in lawsuits.
Common Liability Scenarios:
- Children exploring construction sites and getting injured
- Homeless individuals entering sites for shelter
- Trespassers falling into excavations or trenches
- Injuries from stored materials or equipment
- Fire hazards from arson or accidental ignition
Security Solutions:
- Access Control: Preventing unauthorized entry completely
- Regular Patrols: Identifying and removing trespassers promptly
- Hazard Identification: Reporting safety concerns to project managers
- Incident Documentation: Detailed reports of all trespassing incidents
- Emergency Response: First aid and emergency services coordination
Warehouse Security Challenges
Cargo and Inventory Theft
The Problem: Organized theft rings target warehouses for high-value cargo. Los Angeles-area warehouses face sophisticated criminals who research shipments, timing, and security gaps.
Cargo Theft Tactics:
- Using fraudulent paperwork to pick up shipments
- Bribing employees for access or information
- Following trucks from warehouses to hijack en route
- Breaking in during shift changes when coverage gaps exist
- Internal theft by employees with access privileges
Security Solutions:
- 24/7 Warehouse Guard Coverage: Eliminating security gaps
- Loading Dock Security: Monitoring all receiving and shipping activities
- Access Control Systems: Restricting entry to authorized personnel only
- Inventory Verification: Random checks of outgoing shipments
- Surveillance Integration: Guards coordinating with camera systems
- Incident Reporting: Detailed documentation of all suspicious activity
Internal Theft and Employee Issues
The Problem: Employee theft accounts for significant warehouse losses. Workers with legitimate access exploit knowledge of inventory, schedules, and security procedures.
Security Solutions:
- Neutral Guard Presence: Unbiased monitoring of all personnel
- Exit Inspections: Random checks of employee vehicles and bags
- Visitor Logs: Tracking all non-employee access
- Package Control: Monitoring personal item removal
- Incident Investigation: Documenting theft indicators and patterns
Trucking Yard and Fleet Security
Many warehouses include adjacent trucking yards with additional security needs:
- Trailer Security: Protecting loaded trailers from theft
- Equipment Protection: Securing tractors, forklifts, yard equipment
- Fuel Theft Prevention: Monitoring fuel tanks and dispensing
- Unauthorized Vehicle Access: Preventing theft of entire trucks
- Driver Verification: Ensuring only authorized drivers access vehicles
Construction Security Solutions
Armed Security Guards for Construction Sites
Armed security guards provide maximum theft deterrence for high-value construction projects:
When Armed Guards Are Recommended:
- Projects with equipment value exceeding $500,000
- Sites that have experienced previous theft incidents
- High-crime area locations
- Phases with exposed copper or HVAC units
- Projects with insurance-mandated armed security
- Remote sites where police response time exceeds 15 minutes
Armed Guard Benefits:
- Strong Deterrent: Thieves avoid sites with armed protection
- Rapid Response: Immediate intervention capability
- Legal Authority: Proper training in use of force and detention
- Insurance Compliance: Meets carrier requirements for armed coverage
- Professional Presence: California BSIS-licensed, firearms-qualified
Unarmed Construction Security
Unarmed security guards provide effective, cost-efficient protection for many construction projects:
Ideal for:
- Residential construction in lower-risk areas
- Projects focused on access control and monitoring
- Sites with good police response times
- Budget-conscious security solutions
- Daytime coverage when theft risk is lower
Unarmed Guard Services:
- Perimeter patrols and access point monitoring
- Contractor and vendor verification
- Equipment inventory and documentation
- Trespasser detection and removal coordination
- Incident reporting and evidence collection
Mobile Patrol for Multiple Sites
Construction companies managing multiple projects benefit from mobile patrol services:
- Cost-Effective: One guard covers multiple sites per shift
- Randomized Schedules: Unpredictable arrival times deter theft
- Comprehensive Checks: Perimeter inspections, access verification, alarm response
- GPS Documentation: Verified arrival times and inspection completion
- Scalable Coverage: Easy to add or remove sites as projects evolve
Access Control and Gate Security
Controlling who enters construction sites prevents theft and liability:
- Visitor Logs: Documentation of all personnel and vehicles
- Contractor Verification: Confirming authorized access
- Delivery Monitoring: Tracking materials entering and leaving
- After-Hours Protocols: Strict access limitations outside working hours
- Badge Systems: Coordination with electronic access control
Protect Your Construction Site or Warehouse
Specialized industrial security throughout Los Angeles County
Armed & unarmed guards | 24/7 coverage | PPO #12958
Warehouse Security Solutions
24/7 Warehouse Guard Coverage
24-hour security coverage eliminates the gaps criminals exploit:
Continuous Protection Benefits:
- No Coverage Gaps: Guards present during all shifts, including breaks
- Shift Overlap Security: Enhanced presence during vulnerable transition periods
- Night Coverage: Protection when most cargo theft occurs
- Weekend/Holiday Guards: Continuous coverage year-round
- Emergency Response: Immediate action for alarms, incidents, threats
Loading Dock and Receiving Security
Loading docks are prime vulnerability points requiring specialized attention:
- Driver Verification: Confirming authorized pickup and delivery
- Bill of Lading Checks: Matching paperwork to actual cargo
- Seal Verification: Ensuring trailer seals intact before unloading
- Outbound Inspections: Random checks of departing trucks
- Staging Area Monitoring: Securing cargo waiting for loading
Perimeter Security and Access Control
Comprehensive perimeter protection prevents unauthorized access:
- Gate Security: Controlling all vehicle and pedestrian entry
- Perimeter Patrols: Regular inspections of fencing and barriers
- Visitor Management: Logging and escorting non-employees
- Employee Verification: Confirming identification at entry points
- After-Hours Protocols: Strict access limitations outside business hours
Inventory Protection and Loss Prevention
Guards trained in loss prevention tactics protect valuable inventory:
- Random Inventory Checks: Verifying high-value items remain secure
- Suspicious Activity Reporting: Identifying and documenting theft indicators
- Package Control: Monitoring removal of items from facility
- Vendor Monitoring: Supervising contractor access to inventory areas
- Incident Investigation: Detailed reports supporting theft investigations
Technology Integration with Guard Services
Guard Dashboard Monitoring System
Our proprietary Guard Dashboard technology ensures accountability and documentation:
GPS-Tracked Patrols:
- Real-time location verification of guards
- Time-stamped checkpoint confirmations
- Proof of scheduled patrols completed
- Route tracking and documentation
Digital Incident Reporting:
- Immediate report submission from field
- Photo and video evidence uploaded directly
- Comprehensive incident documentation
- Client portal access to all reports
Activity Logging:
- Hourly activity documentation
- Visitor and vehicle logs
- Equipment inventory tracking
- Maintenance and hazard reporting
Integration with Existing Security Systems
Our guards work seamlessly with your technology investments:
- CCTV Systems: Coordinating patrols with camera coverage
- Alarm Systems: Immediate response and investigation
- Access Control: Managing electronic entry systems
- Equipment Tracking: Coordinating with GPS trackers on machinery
- Communication Systems: Integration with project management tools
24/7 Coverage Options and Scheduling
Construction Project Security Scheduling
Typical Coverage Patterns:
Nights and Weekends:
- Coverage when sites are empty and most vulnerable
- Cost-effective protection during high-risk periods
- Friday night through Monday morning coverage
- Holiday security for extended breaks
24/7 Coverage:
- High-value projects requiring continuous protection
- Insurance-mandated round-the-clock security
- Projects in high-crime areas
- Sites with previous theft incidents
Phase-Specific Coverage:
- Enhanced security during high-risk construction phases
- Equipment delivery protection
- Material staging security
- Critical inspection period coverage
Warehouse Security Shift Options
24/7 Continuous Coverage:
- Three 8-hour shifts with overlap during transitions
- Consistent guard presence eliminating gaps
- Ideal for high-volume operations
- Maximum protection for valuable inventory
Night Shift Coverage:
- Protection during off-hours when most theft occurs
- 12-hour overnight shifts
- Cost-effective for facilities with daytime staff
- Focus on perimeter and loading dock security
Weekend and Holiday Coverage:
- Protection when facilities closed or minimally staffed
- Preventing break-ins during extended closures
- Flexible scheduling around your operations
Cost-Effective Long-Term Security Solutions
Understanding Construction Security Costs
Construction security costs vary based on project specifics:
Factors Affecting Costs:
- Armed vs. Unarmed: Armed guards typically 25-40% higher cost
- Coverage Hours: 24/7 coverage vs. nights/weekends only
- Site Complexity: Multiple access points, large perimeter, challenging layout
- Risk Level: Previous incidents, high-crime location, valuable equipment
- Contract Length: Long-term commitments receive volume pricing
Typical Monthly Costs:
- Unarmed night/weekend coverage: $5,000-$8,000/month
- Armed night/weekend coverage: $7,000-$12,000/month
- 24/7 unarmed coverage: $15,000-$20,000/month
- 24/7 armed coverage: $20,000-$30,000/month
Use our online quote tool for exact pricing based on your project.
Warehouse Security Investment
Long-Term Value:
- Preventing $200,000+ cargo theft incidents
- Reducing insurance premiums through loss prevention
- Eliminating employee theft losses (typically 2-5% of revenue)
- Avoiding liability claims from trespassing incidents
- Maintaining client confidence through secure operations
Cost vs. Incident Comparison:
- Annual 24/7 security: $120,000-$180,000
- Single major cargo theft: $200,000-$500,000
- Project delays from equipment theft: $30,000-$100,000+
- Liability lawsuit from trespasser injury: $50,000-$500,000+
Complete guide to security costs →
Why Choose Scaife for Industrial Security
27 Years of Construction and Warehouse Experience
Since 1997, we've specialized in protecting industrial properties:
- Industry Expertise: Understanding construction/warehouse security challenges
- Proven Track Record: Thousands of sites protected across Los Angeles County
- Client Retention: Long-term relationships with repeat industrial clients
- Professional Guards: Personnel experienced in industrial environments
Specialized Guard Training
Our industrial security guards receive specialized training:
- Equipment Recognition: Identifying construction machinery and tools
- Material Knowledge: Understanding valuable metals and components
- Theft Tactics: Recognizing common criminal methods
- Safety Awareness: Identifying construction/warehouse hazards
- Documentation: Detailed incident and activity reporting
Flexible, Scalable Service
Industrial projects have evolving security needs:
- Phase-Based Adjustments: Increasing coverage during high-risk periods
- Rapid Deployment: Same-day coverage for emergencies
- Contract Flexibility: Adjust coverage as projects progress
- Multiple Site Management: Coordinating security across numerous locations
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you deploy guards to a construction site?
We provide same-day deployment for construction emergencies. For planned projects, we can start within 24-48 hours of contract signing. Call (323) 786-8140 to discuss your timeline.
Do you recommend armed or unarmed guards for construction sites?
It depends on project value, location, and theft history. Armed guards are recommended for projects exceeding $500,000 in equipment value, high-crime areas, or sites with previous incidents. Compare options here.
Can one guard company handle multiple construction sites?
Yes. We coordinate security across multiple construction projects using mobile patrols or dedicated site guards. Volume discounts apply for multiple locations.
What's the difference between construction and warehouse security?
Construction sites have changing layouts, open access, and equipment focus. Warehouses have fixed layouts, controlled access, and inventory focus. Both require specialized expertise we provide.
How do you prevent employee theft in warehouses?
Our guards provide neutral monitoring, conduct exit inspections, verify visitors, and document suspicious activity—all without creating a hostile work environment for honest employees.
Do your guards carry the technology you mentioned?
Yes. All guards use our Guard Dashboard system with GPS tracking, digital reporting, and photo documentation. You receive client portal access to view all reports and activity logs.
What happens if equipment is stolen despite having guards?
While our presence significantly reduces theft, we maintain $1,000,000 liability insurance. Detailed incident reports support your insurance claims and police investigations.
Can you work with our existing alarm systems?
Yes. Our guards integrate with CCTV, alarms, access control, and equipment tracking systems you already have in place.
⚠️ Don't Wait for Theft to Happen
Construction equipment theft costs California projects over $1 billion annually. Warehouse cargo theft averages $200,000-$500,000 per incident. Protect your assets with specialized industrial security. Call (323) 786-8140 for free site assessment.
Get Specialized Industrial Security Today
Construction sites and warehouses require security expertise generic guard companies don't provide. Since 1997, Scaife Protection Services has specialized in protecting industrial properties throughout Los Angeles County—preventing theft, reducing liability, and providing 24/7 coverage tailored to your operation.
Our industrial security services:
Contact us for industrial security throughout Los Angeles:
🏗️ Specialized Industrial Security
27 years protecting construction sites and warehouses across Los Angeles County. Armed/unarmed guards, 24/7 coverage, GPS tracking, same-day deployment available. PPO #12958 | Fully insured. Call (323) 786-8140 for expert industrial security.