Doncaster-based security firm lays bare the human impact of construction site crime in new survey

More than a third of UK construction workers have suffered personal financial losses as criminal activity on sites becomes increasingly targeted and disruptive, new research has revealed.

The BauWatch Crime Report 2026 found that 38.7 per cent of site staff have been left out of pocket by criminal incidents, up from 33 per cent last year and nearly 15 percentage points higher than the European average.

Job losses attributed to on-site crime have also escalated, rising to 27.7 per cent from 22.8 per cent in 2025 across an industry that employs more than 2.1 million people, according to Office for National Statistics data.

Yet despite the escalating fallout, 76 per cent of survey respondents conceded that budget pressures had forced them to cut corners on security. Use of fixed CCTV systems has dropped by 7.2 per cent year-on-year, while CCTV towers have fallen by 6.8 per cent.

The findings, published by security provider BauWatch from its alarm response base at Hayfield Business Park in Auckley, Doncaster, show that while crime is not necessarily spreading, its operational and human impact is worsening.

Mim Mogul, BauWatch UK&I managing director, warned that firms can no longer treat site protection as an afterthought.

He said: “The findings highlight that construction site crime in the United Kingdom is becoming a structural challenge for the industry. While overall perception of crime has stabilised slightly, the underlying risks are becoming more complex.

“Crime is increasingly affecting workers directly, shifting towards more mobile and opportunistic targets, and evolving through digital and seasonal patterns. At the same time, declining security measures and growing budget pressure are creating additional vulnerabilities.

“For construction companies in the United Kingdom, security is no longer a secondary operational issue. It is becoming a central factor influencing project performance, workforce stability and financial outcomes.

“Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated and forward-looking approach. Companies that rely on reactive or fragmented approaches risk falling behind.”