Construction Firms Urged to Adopt Live Mobile Surveillance

The company ECAM is promoting new solar-powered security units to help contractors prevent jobsite equipment theft.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Construction

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized surveillance tower and industrial excavator, representing modern construction site security.
Construction firms are increasingly deploying solar-powered, AI-monitored surveillance units to mitigate equipment theft losses that reach $1 billion annually. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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As construction-related equipment theft costs the industry up to $1 billion annually, ECAM is urging firms to implement live-monitored mobile surveillance. These units rely on AI detection and audio warnings to deter intruders before damage occurs.

Why it matters

The rise of organized site crime is forcing construction companies to contend with higher insurance premiums and significant project delays. Securing job sites effectively has become critical as replacement costs for stolen machinery continue to climb.

A Phoenix construction firm reduced monthly security costs by $3,000 per site after deploying units across 18 locations. Meanwhile, over 75% of stolen equipment is never recovered, and industry data suggests 85% of site thefts remain unreported.

The players

ECAM

A Dallas-based security firm and business of GardaWorld that provides live-monitored surveillance solutions for industrial and construction sites.

GardaWorld

A global security services provider that owns ECAM and manages a wide range of logistics and protective services for various industries.

The details

The mobile units are solar-powered, allowing them to function without access to permanent jobsite electricity. Once AI-powered sensors identify unauthorized activity, remote specialists monitor the site and issue live audio warnings to deter potential trespassers.

Timeline

  1. October 29, 2026: ECAM advised firms to secure sites ahead of the upcoming holiday season.

Market Landscape

The transition to mobile, AI-monitored security marks a departure from traditional, reactive site protection methods. This shift allows construction firms to combat organized theft rings more effectively while challenging the industry's historical reliance on passive or non-existent security.

For project managers and construction business owners, adopting this technology could lead to lower monthly operational expenses and fewer insurance claims. Improved site security ultimately translates into better project scheduling by reducing the risk of idled crews and equipment downtime.

The takeaway

Proactive security measures are becoming a standard requirement for construction firms facing increasingly organized criminal activity. Investing in monitoring technology can serve as both a cost-saving measure and a vital safeguard against costly project delays.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest innovations in Construction and how firms are mitigating site risks.

More information

To learn more about securing your job sites, visit the contact ECAM surveillance experts page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Local.

Live Poll

Do you believe construction firms should prioritize active theft prevention over after-the-fact surveillance documentation?