Theft on construction sites in the commercial construction industry is a problem which can cause the loss in cost and lead to a project to disastrous situations. This issue is worrying contractors to take extra costs and bear all the loss due to theft. There are various types of security measures and prevention that can be used on the construction sites to overcome the theft problem. Security measures are such as perimeter protection, access control, surveillance measure, providing all necessary watching and lighting as safeguard of the works, material and plant, and security guards. This research is conducted to identify the effective ways to prevent theft on construction site in order to improve the security simultaneously prevent the theft in construction sites. Structured questionnaire surveys and face-to-face interviews with the contractors in West Peninsular Malaysia will be carried out in this study. The data of this research is collected from the questionnaires which will send by post, mail and give directly to the respondents. In order to analyze the data, the method of analysis chosen is frequencies statistic analysis. This study tendency on the effective measures to prevent theft on construction site which are perimeter protection, surveillance measures, security lighting, store security, locks and key control, access control placing of site office and security officer. The most popular measures to prevent site theft used by the contractors in west Peninsular Malaysia are being identified and the investigation on the factors which compromise the effectiveness of that popular used measure will be achieved in order to ensure it can effectively prevent the construction site theft.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Research Aim and Objectives
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 Scope of work
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 Theft at construction sites
2.1.2 Most popular equipment makes popular theft targets
2.1.3 Theft
Causes of theft on site
Nature of construction site
Poor Site security and management
High value of heavy equipment and high return of used market
Minor penalties if prosecuted
Construction site theft prevention measures
2.4.1 Physical Security
2.4.1.1 Perimeter Protection
2.4.2 Surveillance Measures
2.4.2.1 Security Lighting
2.4.2.2 CCTV
2.4.2.3 Security Alarms : Instruction Detection System
2.4.2.4. Locks and Key Control
2.4.3 Access Control
2.4.4 Deliveries of Materials
2.4.5 Tools and Equipments Security
2.4.5.1 Identify and inventories
2.4.5.2 Tools and equipments Protection
2.5 Security Officer
2.6 Crime Prevention Awareness
2.7 Site security Plan
2.8 Report every theft in jobsite
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research design
3.2 Literature Review
3.3 Data collection
3.4 Questionnaire Design
3.5 Questionnaires
3.6 Interview
3.7 Analysis Method
4.0 Expected Outcome
5.0 Reference
CHAPTER 1
EFFECTIVE THEFT PREVENTION MEASURES
ON COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION SITES
1.1 Introduction
A construction site requires effective theft prevention measures to secure the on-site property. However, when considering measure to prevent theft, most construction parties may firstly measure the potential cost of doing nothing (BSIA, 2008) and put the effort on this issues, that is, what they have to lose should a theft take place. Construction sites are easy susceptible to theft activities where constant turnover of staff, the mobility of the workforce and the temporary nature of project work, large amounts of equipment, tools and building materials are difficult to monitor. This can often be difficult to judge when the continual use of materials and new deliveries can change the value of accessible property on a regular basis.
The cost of construction materials, tools and equipments can be in the range of between 20% - 40% of total construction cost (Y. Setiani, 2008). Theft on site can cause significant financial drain. The loss of direct asset cost, indirect costs such as job delays, downtime for operators, higher insurance premiums, and can lead a project to disastrous situations. This is a crucial for construction firm consider and adopt proper theft prevention measures in their construction site.
Equipment, materials and tools theft is a major source of loss to all contractors. This study will focus on the theft in stealing materials, tools and equipments in the construction sites. Contractors and the sites with inadequate or improper proper protective measures are easy theft targets (Barnet, 2003). It is important to understand and adopt various theft prevention measures in construction site. There are many different types of security measures for theft prevention carried out at construction sites, which include fencing, security guard, access control, security lighting, alarm system, material inventory control etc. for safeguard site property and deter unwelcome intruders. However, those theft prevention measures cannot perform well if there compromise others factors and conditions which affect its function effectively.
The focus of this study is to examine the theft prevention measures on construction site of commercial project. The objective is to more accurately define the magnitude of theft losses and to gather information on the performance of the measure being employed in Malaysia then further investigate the factors which compromise the effectiveness of theft prevention measures that commonly uses at construction sites and propose some recommend enhancing the performance.
1.2 Problem Statement
Theft is an unlawful action and always gives public bad impression. A construction site with theft happen means failure in secure and manage their property who not only suffers physical loss but also affect the confident and reputation within parties and public. Due of the magnitude of this problem, it is worthwhile to understand what methods firms have found to be successful and mostly used in preventing or reduce the theft problem on their sites.
Every construction site definitely had applied theft prevention measures (as mean security measure) however incident of theft still arising within the construction jobsite. This may due to many of the construction parties had neglect the factors which may compromise their measure in prevent theft. Thus, the awareness of factors compromise the performance of the theft prevention measures on the jobsite is very important. By aware those factors, the theft prevention measure applied on jobsite may achieve maximum performance with appropriate effort.
When conducting the initial phase of literature review, it was apparent that there is a shortage of prior research and data on the subject of construction site theft in Malaysia. This was puzzling because of the high cost of theft incidents on construction sites and the large potential of loss can obviously contribute severe negative impacts on the success of a construction project. It is important to acquire a better understanding of the prevention measures and the factor compromise those measures. This can only be achieved through further research.
This study is focus on the effective theft prevention measure on commercial construction site in Malaysia. This study also takes the advantage gather information to identify magnitude of construction thefts in the commercial construction industry in Malaysia. This is due to Malaysia still lack of information in the construction thefts issues.
1.3 Research Aim and Objectives
The aim of this paper is to identify compromising factors that reduces the effectiveness of theft prevention measures at commercial construction sites in order ensuring those measures are in place and function effectively. Under this aim, the specific objectives are:
To determine the magnitude of construction thefts at selected commercial construction project sites.
To identify the effective theft prevention measures commonly use in commercial construction sites.
To investigate the factors compromise the effectiveness of the theft prevention measures commonly uses.
1.4 Significance of the Study
There are several valuable benefits expected by implementing this study. By identify the magnitude of construction theft which achieved from first objective may alert the construction parties aware and protect themselves become the victim in theft incident.
Through the second object in this study, the popular and practicable theft prevention measures in the commercial construction industry in Malaysia can be identified. This objective achieved through a questionnaire survey from construction parties in commercial construction industry. By learning from the experiences of others may offer insights to others for dealing with theft on their jobsites.
In additional, this research able enhances the awareness of the contractors on factors compromise their theft prevention measures function well. By recognizing the potential compromise factors within the theft prevention measures, the contractors able improve the theft prevention measures in their jobsite meanwhile ensure those measures perform effective all the time.
1.5 Scope of work
This study focus on the construction theft prevention measures and scope theft activities in stealing of construction site property which are materials, tools and equipments. The area of study is focus on the commercial construction projects in Malaysia.
Methods that have been used in data collection are questionnaire survey. The target respondents in this study are construction parties who are very well verse about the work in progress and the security measures at sites such as contractors, project manager, security officers and site supervisors. The contractor target for this study is the Grade 7 contractors registered under CIDB.
The discussion are focus on the theft prevention measures commonly employ at the commercial construction sites based on the experience of respondents and the factors compromise the effectiveness of those measures.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Theft at Construction Site
Construction sites always realized as 'fair game' to the criminal fraternity for their operations, mainly because many valuable materials appear to be left lying unguarded about the site, and particularly as up to fairly recent times common-sense security precautions and systems on sites were either lax or nonexistent, hence thefts occurred (Earnshaw, 1984).
Theft occurs when there commit of opportunity and motivation to steal. Construction industry is very susceptible to crime due to factors such as the constant turnover of staff, the mobility of the workforce and the temporary nature of project work make the industry an easy target for both opportunistic petty criminals and serious organized crime (CIOB, 2009). Most thefts occur in the evenings, usually within an hour after the workday has ended, middle of the night and on weekends (Everest). A typical construction site turns into a "ghost town" after the working hour and this leaves it very vulnerable to theft (Gardner 2003). In addition, there are many temporary workers onsite, contracted for specific elements on a project, the numbers of workers are constantly changing from day to day, so it is difficult to enforce a strict site-access policy (CIOB, 2009). All the factors had contributed the motivation to steal.
The type of theft activities in construction sites are included tools, licensed vehicles, equipment, computer and construction material thefts. Among the type of theft, equipment theft is the most popular being attentive by researcher which may due to high value of equipment, however the CIOB crime report (2003) had shows tools and construction materials are most susceptible to theft.
According the studies from both National Equipment Register (NER) and LoJack's on most recent Construction Equipment Theft report in 2005 and 2007 respectively had shown that the types of equipment most frequently stolen are (follow by rank):
1) Skid Steers,
2) Backhoe Loaders/Skip Loaders/Wheel Loaders/Track Loaders,
3) Generators/air compressors/welders, and
4) Light Utility/Work Trucks and Trailers,
Those are the equipment can be easily transported using a small trailer and easily resold since they have little unique characteristics.While the common materials and tools been stolen include copper, steel, plumbing, wiring, cables, lumber, hand tools, power tools, generators, bobcats, and fixtures. ( GreatAmericanInsurance, 2007).
Magnitude of theft to Construction Project
A latest research about construction theft loss was conducted by National Insurance Crime Bureau which state that construction industry in the United States lost nearly $1 billion in 2001 due to theft incidents (Mc-Dowall, 2002) which is a very alarming amount of loss. Construction theft not only limited to the United States and UK; Japan (1,000 construction machines were stolen in 2004), and most of the Asia countries also suffering the yearly increasing loss due to construction theft (Berg and Hinze, 2005). In addition, value of equipment and skyrocketing prices for metals had aggravated the theft activity in construction sites (Cueno, 2001). Theft of heavy construction equipment, tools, and materials become extremely common within the industry. The problem was thought to be getting worse, but little data existed to confirm or disprove this (Smith and Walmsley, 1999).
Besides the monetary losses resulting from theft, associated indirect costs should also be considered. Costly job delays, downtime for operators, higher insurance premiums, replacement of expensive equipment could lead to a project incurring substantial and unforeseen costs (CIOB, 2003) and the possible cancellation of an insurance policy, with the accompanying risk of jeopardizing bonding and borrowing power, make jobsite security practices crucial for commercial construction firms (Berg and Hinze, 2005). Because of this, theft can be major cost components of a construction project. The cost is potentially sufficient to make the difference between making a profit or incurring a loss on a project (Middleton, 1999).
Because of the magnitude of the problem, information should be shared on techniques that firms have found to be successful in preventing theft on their jobsites. The possible forms of deterrence can be very different depending on the multiple variables that are associated with construction jobsites. By sharing those practices that have proven to be successful for some contractors, the construction community might be able to reduce the losses that are attributed to theft.
Source of theft
2.1.3.1 Theft Involving Employees
One of the unfortunate realities of the construction industry is the level of theft perpetrated by the authorized personnel working at the site. "Internal" theft is estimated to be as high as 50% of all theft from a commercial construction project (Eyesitesurveillance, 2010). This may be due to the large floating worker force in the construction industry (Y. Setiani, 2008), employees have the greater change to steal with low risk get caught. By rationalization, some employees may think "The contractor leaves all these tools and equipment unprotected, because they are so rich" (Moonhouse) which also one of the leading factors of theft on a job site. To help combat potential problems it is recommended that contractors perform background checks on all workers allowed on the site, including employees of subcontractors (R. Berg, 2003).
2.1.3.2 Theft by Outside Agencies
In general terms, almost all security measures introduced on a site are aimed at this category. Different groups of people steal construction equipment and materials for their own personal reasons. Motivations ranging from simple greed to complex political and social statements lead individuals to commit these crimes on construction projects (Douglas, 1975). For organized theft, for example construction equipment thieves who generally a sophisticated group with professional stealing skill and knows which pieces of equipment are most in demand and lucrative on the black market (Middleton, 1999). For theft by outside which may be control through physical security.
Construction Site Theft Prevention Measures
Most potential thieves will not attempt to steal if they cannot enter the site, load the equipment, and be clear of the site in less than ten minutes. Hence, create an environment which makes the sites difficult to steal able to reduce the intent and opportunity of thefts. Thief occurs upon an opportunity due to carelessness and insufficient security. Thief opportunity is controllable; potential victims can reduce the vulnerability to theft incident by taking proper security precautions and aware the factors may compromise the performance of the security.
According a research by Home Office, 20% of the sites that equipment was stolen from, no security was reported to be in use. Sites had fenced compounds in 40% of cases, but lockable gates were reported in only 23% of the thefts. Less than two thirds of those questioned reported recording the serial numbers on their equipment. Very few reported using any type of alarm or immobiliser, and only 22% reported using a padlock and chain to secure equipment (Stephen Adams, 2003).
Prevention of theft demands commitment and determination on the parts of all employees and in particular security personnel. Physical security measures and an extensive security awareness program for every employee of the facility are essential. Theft prevention is an ongoing process, which must be given dedicated attention, especially to high-value and highly vulnerable goods. Adequate physical security is required, but improper employee screening and control also create opportunity to theft.
Delivery and inventory management assumes accountability for materials on site and responsibility for establishing standards of adequate physical security for the prevention of theft. The appointment of a security professional does not relieve management from its responsibility. The role of security is related to the prevention of unauthorized entry, circulation, and exit of personnel and vehicles; perimeter fences and entrance areas; protective lighting and alarm systems; pass, badge, and identification system; and the prevention and detection of theft. (Fennelly, 2004).
Physical security depends on a comprehensive and continuing evaluation of protective measures and an aggressive program of auditing. Aggressive security awareness program can train employees to be diligent and to report theft. All employees by establishing any deterrent to theft, security personnel must not lose sight of the fact that most employees are honest and disapprove of thievery of any kind. Any security measures that infringe on the human rights or dignity of others jeopardize rather than enhance the overall protection of the facility. (Fennelly, 2004).
Physical Security
Physical security is the protection of people and things from harm by using such as methods as intrusion detection, access control, and security officers (Arata, 2006). Physical security countermeasures are the measures used to safeguard personnel from harm. It also protects property from unauthorized access to equipment, installations, material, and documents and safeguards it against sabotage, damage, and theft. The main objective of physical security is to harden the target and make it unattractive for thieves and vandals to enter the site for fear of being caught.
2.2.1.1 Fencing around Site
Fencing as perimeter protection is the first in the defense to detect an intruder ( Rolf and Cullity, 2004). The temporary construction fence can help to mark the boundary, makes access control easier and secure the entire job site ( Arata, Michael J., 2005 ). Maintain clear zone around the perimeter or storage area fence with security measure around 2.4m on so area can be view slots at eye level. (P. Stollard,1991). The perimeter security fence able delaying tactic to slow down the intruder and does serve to control vehicle and pedestrian traffic access to the site (Y. Setiani, 2008). In order to ensure it to be effective, the perimeter must be augmented by security force personnel and other means of protection, detection, delay, and assessment.
2.2.1.2 Warning Sign
Warning signs inform people within the area that security measures are in place to detect crimes (Avenir, 2011). Display warning notices around the perimeter stating that security precautions, among the various warning signs that relay security measures are "No trespassing ", "WARNING, This site is under 24-hour surveillance," " WARNING, Guard dogs," and "Security guard on patrol". The warning sign must advertised by placing appropriate signage in key locations (City of Casey), a little effort may aware and deter pilferer from dealing with your site for the fear of the consequences (Global Shield Security, 2010). Warning signs should post in conspicuous areas throughout the job site, this also can aware the internal workers who may casual or impulse offender to steal.
Access Control
Reduce the job site access point can effectively control and close monitoring of comings and goings from the site. Employee parking areas should be outside the construction fence or in a clearly designated area within the fence line; workers should be easily identified and have credentials that indicate site access. Sign board with 'No trespassing' should be posted in conspicuous areas throughout the job site (City of Scottsdale Arizona, 2006). Before making such alarm installations, however, the local law enforcement agency should be contacted to insure there is no law or policy prohibiting alarm installations that make calls directly to them (Canton Police Department).
Electronic access control is used to enhance the other physical security safeguards to aid in the preclusion of unauthorized entry. The administration and procedures of the access control system like access control lists, personnel recognition, ID cards, badges, and personal escorts all contribute to an effective access control system. (Y. Setiani, 2008).
Security Lighting
Lighting is a great effort in reduce the intent of theft to site which create a psychological deterrent to intrusion and to enable detection (Fennelly, al et, 2004) especial at night. Security lighting is used to light up the perimeter and property during night time hours to make it look as if it is daylight instead of darkness which makes any intruder visible. Security lighting will also enhance the sight and effectiveness of security force to observe site condition. Lighting gives the impression an intrusion has been detected and may also warn neighbors of potential intruders. Lighting on the job site should be periodically checked to insure it is appropriate and operative (Canton Police Department).
2.2.3 Closed Circuit Television CCTV
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is reliable, a means for the apprehension and prosecution of offenders however which is high in cost. The main objective of the CCTV system should not be in apprehension of thieves but rather in increasing deterrence through security so as to prevent thievery ( Kruegle, Herman, 2005). To be most effective, the CCTV system needs to be designed and installed by a qualified person in order that the specification, positioning and lighting requirements are correctly addressed. The system should include provision for recording and be so positioned to reduce the opportunities for the equipment to be compromised. To be most effective as a pro-active strategy, use of the CCTV system should be advertised by appropriate signage to alert the pilferer when planning their 'target'.
Alarms System
The alarm systems have three main parts: sensor, monitoring and warning device which consist three elements in physical security: detection, delay, and response. (Arata, 2005). Portable alarm systems are available that will detect motion, activate lights and sound alarms. This may serve to scare off the perpetrator and draw the attention of a neighbour or passer-by. Alarms can also activate telephone calls to the contractor, private security services or the local police with a pre-recorded message. (Canton Police Department).
Locks and Key Control
Locks are the most widely used security device to help protect facilities and property. The intent of locks is not only going to keep the thief out of the property which also have a delaying device. Lock gates and storage when not in use or during non-working time is essential, the longer time spend on defeating the lock, the less time thief have inside the site and property. Using high security locks in conjunction with other security devices such as instruction detection increases the odds that the thief will be caught (Arata, 2005).
The control of keys is essential on a construction job site. This should be issued to as few people as possible, who should maintain a record of issued keys which included in this record or log should be a listing of the type of key issued, to whom, on what date and for what purpose. (Canton Police Department)
Inventory Control
Standards procedures should be established to maintain an inventory control program. For example, keep an inventory of the tools, model number, and the location and description of identifying marks, establish a standardized check-in and check-out procedures and accountability systems, followed for checking material on and off of the job site (Nerusa). One person should be assigned the responsibility of maintaining tight inventory control of all materials delivered, and each should be signed for only after the invoice is carefully checked the invoice for shortages. Expensive material should not be stored on the job site any longer than necessary. Whenever possible, the delivery of high value material or those in critical supply should be timed on an as needed basis for delivery (San Antonio Police Department Construction Site Crime Prevention Tips).
Through jobsite inventory, stock, and equipment will fit into this assessment, contractor may target items which can 'disappear' easily, for instance easily concealed objects such as tools. Size up the potential loss and calculate what can 'afford' to lose then decide by what means required to protect those facilities. Well-organized inventory control system not only improves work place efficiency, but also reduces the likelihood of theft (National Equipment Register, 2002)
Identification of Tools and Equipments
All assets on a construction site should be identified (marked), inventoried (records), and tracked as closely as possible (City of Scottsdale, 2006). Identification can be a good way to recover stolen items, as well as an effective deterrent to theft. A company may develop a numbered identification system to identify all company equipment for example the company tax identification number should be developed. (Y. Setiani, 2008). Another effective theft deterrent is to paint all tools a particular, very easily identifiable color (Sgt. Doug West,2008). In fact, there is not all thefts are from outside, the company should maintain a good tools 'check in and out' system in order minimize the opportunity of thefts from insider (Everest). Contractor should encourage employees to clearly identify their tools and personal property which help in proving ownership simultaneously minimize the workers from different subcontractor 'mistook' others tools.
Security Guard
Security guard is visible high profile in pro-active deterrent (City of Casey, 2002). Even though security measures such as CCTV, are present in the jobsite. The security is still dependent on the physical presence of a guard to act quickly on any information gathered through CCTV cameras. It is also a well known fact that the presence of a uniformed static security gate guard will probably deter any would be thief where CCTV cameras may not (1st United security).
Security guard is multitasking in oversee the security in jobsite. The duties of the security guard include:
Control the access, open the gate and permit authorized vehicles to enter and leave after inspecting them, look for anyone attempting to enter the site without authorization, especially after hours and on weekends.
Security patrols, make rounds of the facility at unscheduled intervals during the shift.
Security check, check the fence line and note any damage to the fence, such as cuts in the fabric, damage to the barbed wire, etc. and check all the office trailer doors and windows and the fence around the equipment storage area. (Y. Setiani, 2008)
Security guard primary responsibility is to control access to the site and restricted areas. Therefore they are your sites first line of defense and they must always be prepared to react appropriately in any situation. Besides that, security patrols also essential to be responsibility of guard which able provide visible high profile pro-active deterrent, reduces likelihood of theft and increases chances of detection and apprehension of thieves (City of Casey, 2002).
When engaging a security company to carry out static or random patrols, it is essential to prepare a written list of requirements and agree how they will be carried out and reported upon, including (City of Casey, 2002):
Clearly define the scope of the security task.
Provide a thorough brief to the security company.
Have agreed guidelines for action on suspicious or criminal activity.
Agree what supervision arrangements are in place.
Establish an effective communication and reporting chain - ask for activity reports at agreed intervals.
Ensure that the presence of security patrols is advertised by placing appropriate signage in key locations.
Agree to review the deployment of the patrols in the light of criminal activity and other factors as appropriate.
Precaution on above allow the security guard services performance effectively.
2.2.9 Supervisory Personnel
Supervisory personnel can be the responsibility of qualified person on sites such as security officer, project manager, foreman and the site supervisors, or who may also the any worker at the construction jobsite. To develop an effective supervisory strategy, first of all is to address is good personnel policies which is the most effective way to deter employee theft and maintain supervisory personnel within workers. Following is the consideration should be take in account (Sgt. Doug West):
Provide employee with proper awareness and training,
communicate on security policy to all employees and workers,
explain the consequences associated with employee,
encourage recognizing and reporting theft behavior,
Besides that, to enhance the supervisory within worker, the company should provide anonymous way or 'hotline' for co-workers to report in order ensure their personal safe, and of course the encourage reporter through incentive, such as cash rewards (Broomfield Police Department, 2009). Prosecute or terminate the employee theft immediately is also one of the effective practice in order set an example for others, step back for internal theft activity.
Crime Prevention Awareness
Security awareness is defined as a method for changing the attitudes of the company and personnel toward security to realize its importance. Awareness reminds company personnel of the importance of security (Arata, 2006). "Employee Awareness" program can encourage employees to be aware of where and how theft occurs on job sites. Some of the signs in site may remind employees to watch out for and encourage them to share tips anonymously through a hotline (White, J.,2009). Reward system for reporting the theft can encourage employees to take attention on security and suspects in the site.
Site Security Plan
Many contractors feel that the best way to help control jobsite theft is to develop a thorough jobsite antitheft plan before the start of construction work (R. Berg, 2003). Site security plan is essential created before the project begins (City of Scottsdale Arizona, 2006) which consist all the measures of preventing theft on site discussed in above.
Security plans must be customized for the specific locations will be implemented, taking into consideration project-site specifics such as location, local crime rates, local labour crime history, and law enforcement availability and effectiveness. This type of risk analysis allows the management to address the differences of each job in the planning phase (Y. Setiani, 2008). Based on these considerations, a written organization security plan can be formally adopted and promulgated throughout the organization (Gransberg, D. D et.al, 2006)
When developing the plan all the security elements that have been discussed can be used in formulating the plan. To develop the plan the following steps are a good guideline to follow (Y. Setiani, 2008) :
Perform a threat assessment of the job site location including: security survey, crime statistics, type of project, and threats.
Use the information from the threat assessment to develop the security plan: physical security, security lighting, equipment protection, protecting tools, CCTV, intrusion detection, security officers, information protection.
Communicate the plan to the job site
Maintain the plan through audits
Report every theft in jobsite
There have a lot of clear underreporting of crime in the construction industry which may due to insufficient evidence, troublesome and may cause job site under suspension. Although evidence has suggested many feel that reporting crime will not have a successful result, it could help to prevent it from reoccurring. As crime trends are recognized the opportunities for target hardening and detection of organized crime increase (CIOB July Crime Report, 2006). Prosecute thieves apprehended by police to the fullest extent possible to set an example and send a message that theft will not be tolerated (Everest). In order to effectively minimize the theft, the management should establish a theft reporting procedures at site where should provided a list of names and phone numbers of key personnel and area police should be provided with each work crew, guide the worker to immediate contact with area police and key personnel in company when discover theft on site and prepare to provide information regarding previous theft losses to investigating police. Besides that, supervisors and team leaders should be trained in the steps to take when a theft is suspected (Everest).
CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
The research methodology carries out to achieve the objectives of this study. This study will carried out based on literature review, questionnaire survey, observation and face-to-face interview. This chapter describes how data was collected and how to rank the data in order to achieve the objective of this study. Data collection from the questionnaire survey being analyzed using the statistical methods (frequency index or excel) and their results can be obtained. It follows by some discussions and conclusions.
3.2 Literature Review
In achieving the objectives of the study, the sources information regarding problem, cause, methods to prevent the construction site theft and its compromise factors were obtained from published books, international journal, website information and international conference. The literature review was identified the causes, impaction and the prevention of the construction site theft. The factors and prevention methods will carry out to develop the questionnaire survey in order to collect data from the targeted respondent who will be the security officer, site supervisor and contractors.
3.4 Data collection
Methods that have been used in data collection are structured questionnaire and open-ended semi-structured interviews. The target respondents in this study are persons who are very well verse about the site security; they are contractors, security officers and site supervisors. Structured simple questionnaires use to rank the popularity of difference type of theft prevention measures in the scoped area.
3.5 Sample Size Calculation
The following simple formula (Daniel, 1999) can be used:
n =
Z 2 x p x (1-p)
d 2
Where n = sample size
Z = statistic for a level of confidence ( if 95%, Z = 1.96)
p = expected pre valence or proportion (if 10%, p = 0.10)
d = precision 1 limit of error (if 5%, d = 0.05)
n =
(1.96) 2 x (0.5) x (1-0.5)
(0.10) 2
=
96.04
=
97 ( round up)
From the calculation, 97 samples is required to collect back in order to provide sufficient data for analysis. 300 questionnaire papers will be send out to targeted respondents via post and hand. Data obtained from the questionnaire survey will be collect within 3 months. Face-to-face interview will be carrying out focus on contractors who are experienced in construction site.
3.6 Questionnaire Design
The questionnaire is designed focus on the popularity of uses of the construction site theft prevention measures in targeted areas. A list of theft prevention measures sire identified based on the literature review and pilot study, which listed as perimeter protection, access control, surveillance measures, storage security, identify assets and property, crime prevent awareness, security officer and site security plan.
The purpose of the questionnaire survey is intended for to identify the popular used site theft measures. The research will follow by an in-depth interview and discuss on the factors compromise of the failure of those measures in order to improve its effectiveness.
3.7 Interview
Interviews are an efficient method to collect data as the reality of a situation can be observed in detail and thoroughly during the interview sessions. Researcher can have chances to face to face with respondents for retrieving the primary, clear and directly information. The interview method that have been using is open unstructured interview. Unplanned spontaneous questions are a key feature. Spontaneous questioning is more responsive to the participants. Flexible, responsive and sensitive are to participants, also relaxed and natural for those taking part (Y. Setiani, 2008). For this study, open unstructured interviews are mainly used for second and third objectives.
3.7 Analysis Method
The method that will be carried out to analyze the collected data is the frequency index. Frequency analysis is used in analyzing the popularity of the construction site theft prevention measures from the targeted respondents. The frequency of occurrence for each factor according to three ordinal scales: High (3), Medium (2) or Low (1). The "Frequency Index" for each listed measures was derived from the following formula:
Frequency Index =
3n1 + 2n2 + n3
3 ( n1 + n2 + n3)
Where n1 = the number of respondents who answered " High"
n2 = the number of respondents who answered " Medium"
n3 = the number of respondents who answered " Low"
3.8 Reliability and Validity
For a research study to be accurate, its findings must be reliable and valid. Reliability means that the findings would be consistently the same if the study were done over again. Validity refers to the truthfulness of findings (Carmines, et al, 1979). In this study, both reliability and validity test will carried out through the computer program SPSS to analyzing the feedback from the questionnaires.
CHAPTER 4
EXPECTED OUTCOME
4.0 Expected Outcome
In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the research methodology has been established. This study was carried out based on literature reviews, structured questionnaire survey and open unstructured interview.
From the survey, site surveillance is identified as the most popular site theft prevention measures used by the contractors. Site surveillance is easy compromise when there is insufficient of lighting and clear zone where it is around the perimeter fencing and the tool cribs. Both of the measures are important to contribute in detect intruders and provide good site surveillance for the security guard.
CHAPTER 5
REFERENCES
