Construction site alarm: Unknowns steal wheel loaders and spray bridges!

Construction site alarm: Unknowns steal wheel loaders and spray bridges!

In the region around Vechta and Cloppenburg, a wave of construction site crime causes unrest. On July 9, 2025, the Cloppenburg/Vechta police inspection reported several incidents that show that thefts and vandalism are the order of the day on construction sites. Between 2nd and 7th July, a wheel loader and a wheel loader fork worth around 3,000 euros was stolen from a construction site. The Vechta police will receive information on this on 04441/943-0.

But not only thefts are a problem. In Bakum, unknown perpetrators sprayed bridge pillars between the 5th and 7th July on a construction site on the A 1, which caused an estimated damage of around 2,000 euros. Here, too, the investigators are dependent on information that is accepted on 04446/959710.

security risks on construction sites

What makes the Situation on construction sites more explosive are the numerous security risks that are associated with such incidents. Construction site crime can not only cause financial losses, but also endanger the safety of workers and passers -by. Missing materials and stolen tools can significantly impair projects. According to [Haufe] (https://www.haufe.de/arbeitschutz/ Security/Gefaehrdung-auf-bauste- Diebstahe_96_634708.html), about 90 % of the companies in the industry experience a serious threat to the operating process.

An important problem is the increasing professionalism of criminal activities. This is also shown by the current Bauwatch Crime Report 2024, which indicates that two thirds of the respondents were able to increase an increase in the construction site crime. Small craft businesses and independent entrepreneurs who often do not have the resources to implement comprehensive security measures are particularly affected.

strategies for prevention

What can companies do to better protect their construction sites? Preventive measures are essential. These include, among other things, the use of fences, which are equipped with exaggerations, as well as the installation of cameras and alarm systems. Good lighting also ensures that potential perpetrators are deterred. This is not only in terms of economy, but also the responsibility for the safety of employees, who often suffer from psychological stress if their workplace is endangered.

A comprehensive security concept can help to reduce the high damage - according to estimates over 80 million euros annually in Germany. Measures such as access controls and regular inventory reviews should not be neglected. Finally, the documentation of all incidents should contribute to faster damage settlement and report to the authorities.

The situation on the construction sites in the region is still tense, which is also reflected in the recent reports of traffic accidents. In Damme, for example, there was a traffic accident escape on July 8, in which an unknown driver damaged a gray VW Passat in the parking lot of the health center. Similar incidents also occurred in Vechta, where two vehicles were affected by unknown road users.

The police appealed to the population of being attentive and reporting suspicious observations immediately. This is the only way to react to the increasing crime together before further damage occurs. »