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Calgary and Edmonton are growing fast, and it’s inspiring to see new opportunities emerge in housing, urban development, and community amenities. That growth doesn’t happen on its own. Each project reflects significant investment and hands-on work. And behind every new development is a crew working to keep pace with deadlines, deliveries, weather, and other challenges.

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One challenge that’s getting harder to ignore: construction site theft and vandalism. In Calgary, a local report cites 371 construction site thefts reported last year. And in Edmonton, an industrial site reported roughly $70,000 worth of copper wire stolen. Vandalism adds another layer of disruption.

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Stolen tools and damaged property push timelines, cause gaps between trades, and add stress to already-tight schedules. Local builders have noted the ripple effect can add 3-7% to the price of a home. This means these losses don’t stay on site, they land in the community too.

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While some development teams have started treating theft and vandalism like an unavoidable reality, that mindset comes at a cost.

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Hidden Costs of Theft and Damage

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Beyond the immediate financial loss, construction site incidents can lead to:

• Project delays and missed milestones
• Increased insurance claims and premiums
• Safety risks for workers returning to compromised sites
• Administrative time spent reporting and resolving incidents
• Reduced morale for crews managing repeated setbacks

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For contractors and developers already balancing weather, deliveries, labour availability, and tight timelines, these disruptions can be difficult to absorb.

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As construction activity continues to grow across Alberta, proactive site protection is becoming a critical part of project planning.

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Prevent Problems Before They Happen

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One of the most effective ways to reduce theft and vandalism is through visible, consistent security presence. Especially during evenings, weekends, and off-hours when sites are most vulnerable. When construction sites are actively monitored, they become far less attractive targets.

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This is where we play an important role. XA Security helps:

• Monitor equipment, materials, and access points: Our guards move with purpose. We run thorough checks, adapt to changes on site, and respond quickly when needed.

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• Identify risks early: As experts in non-violent de-escalation and proactive risk reduction, we stop problems before they start.

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• Document incidents and provide detailed reporting: We document everything thoroughly and deliver comprehensive reports with photos so nothing slips through the cracks. This is crucial for insurance, project management, and accountability.

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• Deter theft and trespassing: We stay alert to protect your bottom line, de-risk your operations, and provide you peace of mind.

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• Build trust in the community: We maintain safety and professionalism with contractors, visitors, and local residents. As Experience Ambassadors, we advocate for your company, and engage with the public calmly and respectfully.

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• Keep projects moving without unnecessary disruption: We’re skilled problem-solvers who expect the unexpected and respond quickly. We help make sure your projects stay on schedule.

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Protect Your Progress

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Construction site theft and vandalism may be a rising challenge, but they’re not unavoidable ones. With the right preventative measures and reliable security patrols in place, project teams can stay focused on building communities. 

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For XA Security, protecting your site means protecting the people, timelines, and resources behind it. Want visible patrols, rapid response, and clear, image-rich reports that keep you in the loop and your peace of mind? Request a quote.

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