Mafia on construction sites: blackmail and theft of materials because of the cold

The theft of materials, tools and equipment from construction sites is a daily occurrence, especially as the days get shorter, the number of thefts from sites increases again. The darkness encourages entry into these areas, ignoring the physical danger and the crime of material theft. According to the Penal Code, the penalties for theft of materials range from 6 to 18 months in prison if the amount stolen exceeds 400 euros. Statistics from the Ministry of Interior show that in 2022, 1,664,840 crimes against industrial property were committed in warehouses, factories and storage facilities nationwide. The valuation of stolen items, electronics and equipment is €2,219,355,''according to an estimate by the European Intellectual Property Office. The actual figure may even be much higher, as not all contractors report to the police.

Construction site theft and its consequences

"Construction site theft causes direct and indirect damage to the contractor. While this damage is usually offset by another order for equipment or building materials, delays can occur at the construction site, and here the contractor does experience indirect damage. In addition, almost all thefts on construction sites cause delays," says Ignacio González, director of security company Bauwatch España. González recommends that construction companies beef up security in the coming months. If a contractor finds a quick solution to a petty theft,'' he said. 'he may not take the steps to file a police report.

Different types of thefts from construction sites

Thefts can vary in nature and size as criminals look for valuable items for possible sale on the black market. "We face several phenomena: the regular disappearance of small quantities of building materials such as concrete blocks, bricks or insulation panels. If a contractor finds a quick solution for a small theft, he may not contact the police or call insurance because it takes more time and money than it benefits," asserts Gonzalez.

Professional thieves and thefts of copper

Jesus has had a construction company for 20 years and he, too, fears the coming of winter.'''The time change and darkness at six in the evening puts us at a standstill, the workers stop working and the construction site is left unsupervised for 12 or 13 hours, unless you hire private security, which is very expensive,'' he explains. In Madrid's under-construction neighborhoods, such as Valdebebas or El Canaveral, the old way of protecting sites still persists: gypsy clans or Romanian mafias warn the construction manager of the risk of leaving material unguarded at night. "This is the worst moment when you have to deal with such blackmail.

"There are gangs and mafias. 'professional thieves who target specific equipment or expensive materials such as copper, for example. It is in these cases that the damage caused is the most significant, and it is these thefts that are most often reported to the police," comments Ignacio Gonzalez.

Strengthening security measures at construction sites

Copper thefts have increased in recent years. Recently, European copper producer Aurubis came under scrutiny as a criminal gang stole more than €100 million worth of metals from the German plant over a period of several years. In Spain, conductor operator Adif recorded copper thefts over 111 kilometers from 2019 to 2022, causing delays on its rail lines equivalent to 74 days. Also the wires of telephone''s grid and several solar power plants have recently been targeted for the theft of tons of copper from their systems. "Unfortunately, we are seeing these incidents becoming more frequent. The demand for copper is high, partly due to the energy transformation, which has led to an increase in price," says the director of BauWatch España. "For example, copper is used in wind turbines and solar power plants. Without an efficient electrical grid, it is impossible to do without it. "

The prices of other building materials have also risen, particularly because of the war in Ukraine and inflation. "Organized crime understands this well, and construction sites are becoming their favorite target. There is usually little physical protection on a construction site, and when the working day is over, thieves make their moves and locals''or passers-by barely distinguish workers from thieves who can easily carry out their business'.

BauWatch knows from experience that the number of thefts reaches its peak in winter. Ignacio comments on this topic as follows: "Traditionally, it is during the winter that there is a sharp increase in thefts. There are a number of organizational measures that can be taken, such as the use of lockable containers for storing equipment or building materials, or the development of a security protocol that specifies responsibilities on the construction site." CCTV cameras deter thieves and allow intervention when thefts occur, Gonzalez saves.

Hesus is considering installing CCTV "in low-profile locations so they don't get smashed, but announcing the''presence as required by law." "These cameras have the dual advantage of preventing thieves from entering the property and reacting when thieves venture into the area," says BauWatch.

In the midst of a construction boom in major Spanish capital cities, theft of materials is a major nuisance that builders and security companies are struggling with.