How to Secure Your Construction Site in Birmingham: Best Practices for Hoarding

2 months ago - 3 min read

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When it comes to construction site security in Birmingham, one of the most effective first lines of defence is secure and well-planned hoarding. Hoarding not only protects the public from the risks of active building works but also acts as a vital barrier against theft, vandalism, trespassing, and anti-social behaviour. To maximise safety and security, it’s essential to consider the placement, design, and maintenance of hoarding from the earliest stages of your project.

Why Hoarding Matters for Construction Site Security

Birmingham construction sites often store high-value equipment, tools, and materials that are attractive targets for opportunistic criminals. Hoarding creates a clear boundary, controls access, and helps prevent unauthorised entry. When designed correctly, it also improves site safety and ensures compliance with local planning and workplace regulations.

Key Considerations for Effective Hoarding

1. Early Planning and Placement

The positioning of hoarding should be carefully planned before construction begins. Avoid creating sharp corners, alcoves, or blind spots where individuals could hide. Rounded edges and angled boards improve natural surveillance, discouraging loitering and anti-social behaviour.

1.2. Secure Entrances and Locking Mechanisms

When installing pedestrian and vehicle access points, make sure the lock mechanisms do not create climbing aids. For example, cutting holes into plywood for locking bars can leave footholds for trespassers. Adding an angled plate above these openings is a simple way to reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

1.3. Managing Street Furniture and Footholds

Street cabinets, bins, and other street furniture can be misused as climbing aids. Where possible, position hoarding so that these features cannot be used to scale the barrier. If hoarding must be flush with existing street furniture, adding smooth sheet materials like plywood eliminates footholds and makes climbing much more difficult.

1.4. Keep Perimeters Clear

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require floors and access routes to be kept free of obstructions. From a security perspective, this means avoiding the storage of building materials, skips, or equipment directly against hoardings or fencing, as they can be exploited as climbing points.

1.5. Anti-Climb Extensions

Fitting angled extensions or “fans” to the top of hoardings not only makes climbing harder but also helps reduce litter and debris being thrown into the construction site. This simple addition adds another layer of deterrence for potential intruders.

1.6. Height and Construction Standards

Hoarding should be at least 2.4 metres high and made from durable, sturdy materials to withstand both weather conditions and attempted breaches. Painting hoarding in light colours not only makes the site more visually appealing but also improves visibility at night, which further deters anti-social behaviour. Always check with Birmingham City Council planning guidance for specific requirements.

1.7. Reducing Crime Through Design

Avoid blind alleys or enclosed areas near hoardings where offenders could hide. Good design not only prevents access but also reduces opportunities for crime in the surrounding environment.

8. Regular Maintenance and Graffiti Removal

A hoarding that is well-maintained shows that the site is actively monitored. Graffiti should be removed quickly as it tends to attract more vandalism and can escalate into other forms of crime. A simple maintenance schedule helps keep the perimeter secure and professional-looking.

Hoarding as Part of a Complete Security Strategy

While hoarding is vital, it should form part of a comprehensive construction site security plan. Combining hoarding with visible security guards, CCTV monitoring, mobile patrols, and access control ensures maximum protection.

At Construction Site Security (CSS), we specialise in protecting building sites in Birmingham with tailored security services. From professional hoarding advice to manned guarding and surveillance, our team helps construction companies safeguard their projects, prevent losses, and maintain compliance.

Conclusion

Effective hoarding is more than just a legal requirement, it’s a core part of construction site security in Birmingham. By planning early, removing footholds, maintaining clear perimeters, and keeping hoarding in good condition, you can significantly reduce risks and deter criminal activity. When combined with professional security services, hoarding becomes a powerful tool to protect your site, workers, and valuable assets.

Construction Site Security FAQs

Professional Site Security in Birmingham and the West Midlands

Keeping your site secure is vital for protecting staff, equipment and project timelines. These FAQs explain how our security services support construction sites of all sizes across Birmingham.

This guide explains our services, processes and the expertise behind our team so you can make confident and informed decisions. If you have any questions that are not answered here, our support team is available around the clock. You can contact us by email or through our online form. Your security matters to us and we are here to help at every stage.

Opting for professional construction site security gives you complete peace of mind. Tight deadlines are a constant pressure and having trained security on site helps prevent delays caused by theft, vandalism or trespassing. Professional site security is also required by many insurers, so it helps you meet compliance standards while keeping your project on track.

A combination of visible guarding, routine patrols and monitored CCTV significantly reduces criminal activity. Criminals avoid sites with strong security because the risk of being caught increases. This keeps your equipment, tools and materials safe, reducing financial losses.

As a Birmingham based construction security provider, we serve all areas of the West Midlands. Whether your project is in the city centre or a more remote location, our team can deliver customised security solutions with a high level of professionalism. If your site is in a challenging or isolated spot, contact us to discuss suitable options.

Yes. We secure temporary works and short term projects across Birmingham, from scaffold protection to roadworks and civil engineering sites. Our team understands the urgency of these environments and can mobilise quickly so your site is protected without delays. Our flexible and not binding contracts allow for both short-term and long-term security cover , with options starting from as little as one weed. We’ll work with you to create a security plan that meets the timeline of your project.

Every security officer supplied by Construction Site Security (CSS) is fully SIA licensed and accredited. All operatives complete a strict five year vetting process before joining us. We also provide ongoing training through our internal platform, which includes site specific modules and role specific guidance to make sure your team is protected by skilled and knowledgeable professionals. All our security guards are carefully selected and trained specifically for construction site security. They are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and they fully understand the protocols and risks associated with active construction sites.

The right setup depends on the size, layout and risk level of your project. Most construction sites benefit from a mix of physical guarding and security technology. This usually includes mobile or static guards, canine units for high risk locations, monitored CCTV towers and secure fencing. A tailored combination ensures maximum protection across your entire site.

Your officers will be responsible for safeguarding your site through active monitoring and proactive protection. Core duties include controlling access points, carrying out routine patrols, monitoring for suspicious behaviour and addressing issues quickly and professionally. Additional duties can be arranged based on your needs, such as Banksman support or Weighbridge training.

Yes. We secure temporary works and short term projects across Birmingham, from scaffold protection to roadworks and civil engineering sites. Our team understands the urgency of these environments and can mobilise quickly so your site is protected without delays.

Yes. CSS can manage multi site security across Birmingham and the West Midlands. This helps developers, contractors and civil engineering firms maintain consistent protection across several locations.

Every security officer supplied by Construction Site Security (CSS) is fully SIA licensed and accredited. All operatives complete a strict five year vetting process before joining us. We also provide ongoing training through our internal platform, which includes site specific modules and role specific guidance to make sure your team is protected by skilled and knowledgeable professionals.

We always recommend booking in advance, although we understand emergencies happen. CSS aims to mobilise as quickly as possible. Contact us with your requirements and timeline and we will arrange rapid deployment to secure your site when you need it.

We provide a full range of advanced security technology suitable for both large and compact construction sites. Our systems include:

  • Mobile CCTV towers and monitored cameras
  • Micro CCTV cameras for scaffolding corners
  • Access control systems with ID badges and fobs
  • Perimeter intruder alarms and early detection systems

These solutions help safeguard vulnerable areas while providing full site visibility.

Installation times vary depending on site size, access, layout and existing infrastructure. Mobile CCTV towers powered by solar can be deployed quickly with little disruption. Permanent CCTV systems take longer, although we always schedule work around your project to keep downtime minimal.

Construction Site Security (CSS ) is based in Birmingham city centre, Brindley Place.

Construction Site Security (CSS) has been providing security services in Birmingham and the West Midlands for almost 25 years. Since 2018 we limited our security services to construction site security. Due to our commitment to guarantee full-time employment for our security officers, we are unable to cover events and ad-hoc requirements. We mainly provide our security services for our long-term clients and contracts.

Yes, CSS offers security services for construction sites - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

CSS specialize in securing:
  • Residential and Housing Developments
  • Commercial and Industrial Developments
  • Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Projects
  • Road and Highway Construction Sites
  • Rail and Transport Construction Sites
  • Energy and Utility Construction Sites
  • Demolition and Renovation Sites

Yes. CSS holds full public and employer liability insurance and operates under strict compliance and safety policies. So far, we’re proud to say we’ve had zero claims.

At CSS, we match security guards to each client based on industry knowledge, skillset, and personality. Every assignment is supported by a site-specific brief and round-the-clock management oversight to ensure performance and professionalism. Our guards also receive required and relevant client-specific training before we send them to a construction site.

  • • Remove someone from private property when there is a valid reason, using only reasonable force.
  • • Request to search bags or belongings with consent.
  • • Detain someone under a citizen’s arrest if they have reasonable grounds to believe a crime such as theft has been committed.
  • • Hold an individual for a short period until police arrive.
  • • Touch or use physical force when necessary and proportionate for protection or during a lawful detention.
  • • Ban individuals from a store or site for rule breaches or criminal behaviour.
  • • Contact the police and share evidence such as incident reports or CCTV footage.
  • • Carry out visitor checks, enforce site rules and support safety procedures.

  • • Search anyone or anything without consent.
  • • Use excessive or unnecessary physical force.
  • • Carry out a full arrest like a police officer.
  • • Detain someone for longer than reasonably necessary for police to attend.
  • • Physically intervene without a justified reason.
  • • Stop, accuse or detain someone without reasonable grounds. False stops can result in legal consequences.

Key Points to Remember

  • • Bag searches are voluntary. If refused, entry can be denied, but force cannot be used to search.
  • • Physical removal is allowed only when justified and proportionate.
  • • Any detention must be brief and lawful.
  • • A ban from a store or site can be enforced if rules are broken.
  • • Security guards must act within the law at all times and cannot operate as police.

At CSS, confidentiality is paramount in our security operations. Our employees are trained to handle sensitive information discreetly and professionally, and we have strict protocols in place to ensure confidentiality and uphold our clients' privacy.

All CSS security packages are built around your exact needs. Prices depend on the size of your project, the number of security officers required and the level of technology needed. Longer-term projects typically require extended security coverage, which can influence the overall cost. Bespoke pricing allows us to provide cost effective protection without compromising safety. Reach out to our team for a tailored quote.

You can contact us via email at contact@constructionsitesecurity.uk or complete our online contact form.