Sharjah, UAE — Sharjah Police have sounded the alarm on a growing wave of thefts from construction sites across the emirate. In response, they have launched a comprehensive awareness campaign — titled “Safe Construction Environment” — urging property owners, developers, and contractors to strengthen site security and minimize risks.
Surge in Construction-Site Crime
According to Sharjah Police, under-construction projects are increasingly becoming targets for criminal activity. The lack of robust security measures, combined with high-value building materials and equipment, has made construction sites vulnerable to theft.
Authorities cited common patterns behind the thefts. These include sites left wide open without adequate barriers, building materials stored in unsecured areas, and machinery or tools left without surveillance. In some cases, workers with irregular legal status are being employed, making oversight more challenging. Gulf News+1
Key Preventive Measures Urged
As part of the “Safe Construction Environment” campaign, Sharjah Police are urging the implementation of several security protocols:
- Install CCTV Cameras — Continuous video monitoring across sites to deter unauthorized entry and document suspicious activity. Gulf News+1
- Hire Security Guards — Having on-site personnel can act as a strong deterrent and respond quickly to suspicious behavior. Gulf News+1
- Set Up Temporary Fencing or Barriers — Erecting perimeter fences helps limit access and reduces vulnerability to thefts. Gulf News+1
- Buy Materials from Licensed Suppliers — The police stress the importance of purchasing building materials only through accredited vendors, and only with valid invoices. This ensures traceability and reduces the risk of inadvertently dealing in stolen or illegal goods. Gulf News
Legal Responsibility & Cooperation
Sharjah Police emphasize that improving security at construction sites is not only a matter of best practice, but a legal obligation. Developers, contractors, and site owners are being called upon to collaborate closely with law enforcement and other government bodies to ensure safer working environments. Gulf News
Campaign Reach & Community Engagement
The “Safe Construction Environment” campaign is a joint initiative between Sharjah Police, Sharjah Municipality, and the Sharjah Economic Development Department. Sharjah 24+2Sharjah 24+2 It has been communicated in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, and Urdu, to reach a wide cross-section of stakeholders — from engineering firms and contractors to individual property owners. Sharjah 24
In its most recent iteration, the campaign has reportedly benefited more than 7,320 participants from the construction sector, helping to raise awareness about how to safeguard assets and prevent theft. Sharjah 24+1
Innovative Security Monitoring Pilot
Sharjah Police have also tested a more proactive model of site protection. In the Al Shnouf area, through the Al Sajaa Police Station, they carried out a pilot “Security Monitoring” program. Under this model, officers make regular visits to sites, coordinate with contractors via real-time communication channels, and share security updates. Sharjah 24
The pilot, which started in March, reportedly recorded zero reported security incidents in the covered construction area — a promising sign that close coordination and constant vigilance can significantly reduce risks. Sharjah 24
Broader Context & Implications
The criminal challenge is not entirely new. In past years, Sharjah Police have recorded thefts of electric wires and scrap material from construction sites. Khaleej Times+1 These thefts not only cause significant financial loss to developers, but can also delay construction timelines, raise insurance costs, and compromise worker safety.
By rolling out its awareness campaign and piloting real-time security monitoring, Sharjah Police appear to be pushing for a paradigm shift: treating construction-site security not as a secondary concern, but as a critical component of public safety and urban development.
Call to Action
Sharjah Police are urging all stakeholders — from small contractors to major real estate developers — to take the following steps:
- Conduct a security risk assessment for each construction project.
- Implement all recommended security measures, especially in remote or high-value sites.
- Report suspicious activity immediately via the Sharjah Police hotlines.
- Commit to legal procurement of materials with proper documentation.
- Engage with the police and government agencies proactively to build a culture of security in the construction industry.
