The issue of teens trespassing on construction sites in the US and Canada poses significant safety, legal, and financial risks. Examples of such incidents highlight the gravity and variety of consequences associated with this problem.
In North Vancouver, Canada, a particularly daring instance involved two 18-year-olds arrested for climbing a 60-meter crane at the CentreView construction site, a mixed-use development. This act of mischief, charged as break and enter, endangered not only the climbers but potentially the construction workers by compromising equipment integrity. Incidents like this have been fueled by the quest for social media fame, even with their illegality and danger.
Legal repercussions for trespassing can be severe, not only for the trespassers but also for the construction site operators. A case in New Jersey involved a teenager who lost his leg after a forklift accident at a construction site he trespassed on. The court reinstated a civil suit, highlighting the potential legal liabilities for construction site operators if it’s found that more could have been done to prevent access or warn of dangers.
The motivation behind these kinds of trespassing incidents isn’t always thrill-seeking; sometimes, it’s driven by the pursuit of unique photos for social media. In British Columbia, there was a reported 200% increase in trespassing incidents at dangerous hydro sites, including dams and reservoirs. These actions not only risk the trespassers’ lives but can also disrupt operations and could lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
All these examples highlight the critical importance of having layered security measures in place to help deter trespassers from entering sites in the first place, and proactive solutions that can help intervene when the initial layers of security solutions, like fencing and warnings signs, go ignored.
Just after 9:00 pm, Stealth security professionals monitoring a Quebec construction site were alerted to activity on the premises. A closer look revealed a group of what appeared to be young people trespassing on the site, accessing ladders to climb the structure. Onsite audible warnings were sounded, and local police contacted due to the nature of the activity observed. Officers responded to the site quickly, and a follow up call to dispatch confirmed that contact had been made, and at least one individual had been taken into custody.
Help Keep Bored Teens and Other Unwanted Guests from Creating Chaos on Your Jobsites with Proactive Remote Video Monitoring
Construction sites inherently present an environment fraught with hazards as they evolve. Ranging from the building materials themselves to the accidental scattering of nails and other sharp objects, the potential for uneven terrain resulting from excavation activities, open and unfinished basement or other below-ground structures, heavy equipment, open and unfinished structures, and exposed wiring- just to name a few potential issues.
At Stealth Monitoring, we acknowledge these hazards and the accompanying liability risks for construction site owners. However, it’s not only the physical dangers that concern us; unauthorized access by trespassers, including teenagers seeking secluded areas for leisure, poses a significant risk. Even when not engaging in vandalism or other destructive behaviors, the mere presence of individuals on-site without permission can underscore the critical need for vigilant security measures.
Stealth has extensive experience in navigating these scenarios alongside our construction partners, and we specialize in addressing these challenges through our remote video surveillance solutions tailored for construction sites. Our advanced system doesn’t just detect motion; it helps to intelligently identify activities that could lead to harm, unauthorized entry, or criminal action, leveraging advanced video analytics to discern potential threats.
Once an event is detected our trained operators are promptly notified, enabling them to intervene and make informed decisions to help prevent or mitigate risky situations. This proactive approach often results in law enforcement arriving while the individuals in question are still on the premises, thereby enhancing security efficacy and reducing the site owner’s liability.
Discover how Stealth Monitoring can fortify your construction site’s security, offering a solution that is not only proactive but also 25-60% more cost-effective than conventional security methods. Contact us now to help safeguard your project and minimize risks with unparalleled efficiency.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
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Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
