Construction site alarm: Unknown people steal wheel loaders and spray bridges!

Construction site alarm: Unknown people steal wheel loaders and spray bridges!

A wave of construction site crime is causing unrest in the region around Vechta and Cloppenburg. On July 9, 2025, the Cloppenburg/Vechta police station reported several incidents that show that thefts and vandalism on construction sites are commonplace. Between July 2nd and 7th, a wheel loader bucket and a wheel loader fork worth around 3,000 euros were stolen from a construction site. The Vechta police will receive information on this on 04441/943-0.

But it's not just theft that's a problem. In Bakum, unknown perpetrators sprayed bridge pillars on a construction site on the A 1 between July 5th and 7th, causing an estimated damage of around 2,000 euros. Here too, the investigators rely on information that can be received on 04446/959710.

Safety risks on construction sites

What makes the situation on construction sites even more explosive are the numerous safety risks that accompany such incidents. Construction site crime can not only cause financial losses, but also threaten the safety of workers and passers-by. Missing materials and stolen tools can significantly impact projects. According to Haufe, around 90% of companies in the industry experience theft, which poses a serious threat to operations.

A key problem is the increasing professionalism of criminal activities. This is also shown by the current Bauwatch Crime Report 2024, which states that two thirds of those surveyed were able to observe an increase in construction site crime. Small craft businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs are particularly affected, as they often do not have the resources to implement comprehensive security measures.

Prevention strategies

So what can companies do to better protect their construction sites? Preventive measures are essential. These include, among other things, the use of construction fences that are equipped with climb-over protection, 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 economic efficiency, but also in the responsibility for the safety of employees, who often suffer from psychological stress when their job is at risk.

A comprehensive security concept can help reduce the high level of damage - according to estimates, over 80 million euros annually in Germany. Measures such as access controls and regular inventory checks should not be neglected. Ultimately, documentation of all incidents should help to resolve claims more quickly and report them to the authorities.

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

The police appeal to the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious observations immediately. This is the only way we can react together to the increasing crime before further damage occurs.”