Why Building Sites Get Robbed
Melbourne is growing fast. Many new houses and buildings go up in places like Wyndham, Melton, Casey, Hume and Whittlesea. These areas have lots of open building sites. Police numbers show that theft from these sites is high. Copper wire and tools get stolen a lot.
When things get stolen, the builder has to buy new ones. Work stops. Money is lost. Insurance companies may not help easily if there is no proof. Also, if someone sneaks onto the site and gets hurt, the builder can get in trouble with safety rules.
Fences help keep people out, but they are not enough. CCTV Camera installation watch the site all the time.
How Cameras Help on Building Sites
Cameras do many good things.
- They scare bad people away. When thieves see cameras, they often go somewhere else.
- If something bad happens, the camera records it. The video shows what happened. This helps police and insurance.
- Cameras keep workers safer. The boss can check if everyone follows safety rules. If an accident happens, the video shows the truth.
- The boss can look at the site from home using a phone. Even at night.
- Many insurance companies like sites that have cameras. Claims become easier.
How These Special Cameras Work
Normal house cameras need power plugs and internet wires. Building sites often do not have these yet.
Special cameras for building sites use the sun. Solar panels on the camera collect sunlight and store it in a battery. The camera also uses mobile phone signal (called 4G) to send pictures to your phone.
These cameras can see in the dark with special night lights. Some make loud noise and flash bright lights if someone comes close. Smart computer parts inside can tell the difference between a person and a bird or wind.
You can move these cameras when the building work changes place.
Note:
If you only need security for a short time, you can also hire solar CCTV cameras on a weekly rental basis instead of buying them. This gives you flexible security while your building project is underway.
Different Kinds of Cameras
- One camera on a pole: Good for small house builds. Watches one main area.
- Two cameras together: Watches front and back at the same time.
- Moving camera (PTZ): Can turn and zoom to follow someone. Good for big sites.
Some people watch the cameras themselves on their phone. Others pay extra for a security company to watch 24 hours and call for help if needed.
Rules You Need to Know
Cameras are not required on every building site in Victoria. Under Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, site managers must take reasonable steps to keep workers and the public safe.
WorkSafe Victoria recommends secure fencing to prevent unauthorised access. CCTV can provide extra security and help monitor the site.
Put up clear CCTV signs, avoid cameras in toilets or changing rooms, and tell workers about the cameras. Check privacy and surveillance rules before recording audio.
How to Choose and Put Up Cameras
- Look at your site. Where can thieves get in? Where do you keep expensive tools and machines?
- Decide how many cameras you need so there are no dark empty spots.
- If there is no power, choose solar cameras.
- Pick a company that works a lot with building sites in Melbourne. They can put the cameras up fast.
- Always use good fences plus the cameras. Cameras work better with fences.
- Move the cameras when the building work moves to a new area.
How Much Does Solar CCTV Hire Cost in Melbourne?
Solar CCTV hire in Melbourne starts from $50 per week. The Dahua Solar TIOC camera costs $60 per week for a 6-month hire, $55 for 12 months, or $50 for 24 months. The Dual Lens PTZ solar camera costs $65, $60, or $55 per week, depending on the rental period.
A $280 initial setup fee applies to the 6-month plans, while 12- and 24-month plans have no setup fee.
For construction sites, this can be a cost-effective way to improve security without buying a complete CCTV system. One major theft of tools, equipment, or machinery could cost far more than the cost of temporary camera hire.
Need temporary site security? We provide solar cctv installation cameras for hire with flexible rental options. Get a quote today or call us on 0478 855 456 to discuss your security needs.
Good Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Put cameras up early, before expensive things arrive. Use clear signs. Make sure someone will check the alerts. Keep the solar panels clean so they work well.
Do not buy cheap cameras made for houses. They break in dust and rain and give poor pictures. Do not leave big empty spaces with no camera view. Do not forget the signs and the privacy rules.
Places in Melbourne That Need Extra Care
Outer areas where many new houses are being built have more theft. Places like Tarneit, Werribee, Melton and surrounding suburbs need strong cameras that work without power. City sites may get power sooner but still need good watching.
Other Ways to Keep Sites Safe
Cameras are best when used with other things: strong fences, locked tool boxes, lights at night, and writing down who comes and goes. Some people also hire security guards to drive past at night. Cameras plus these other steps work best together.
