What Is A VPOD Alarm System & How Are They Used In Construction Site Security?

One of the most important developments in construction site security in recent years, the VPOD offers significant protection, affordability, and visually-verified monitoring in one portable package. 

But to decide whether it’s right for your site, you’ll need to know what makes this such an indispensable tool for projects nationwide, and why it’s been picked up by hundreds of contractors to bolster their site security.

What Is A VPOD?

The VPOD is a visually verified intruder alarm system, which takes multiple split-second photographs of the intruder when triggered. It uses Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors to detect infrared light radiating from moving objects (including humans and animals), which triggers an automated camera function to identify the threat.

It’s a self-contained piece of equipment, meaning that it does not need to be connected to any power supply, Ethernet cable or other source of power (like an external battery or generator). Instead, it uses built-in solar panels that charge an internal battery, which then powers both the PIR sensors and the cameras.

The VPOD connects to an alarm monitoring provider (like ProFM Group’s National Operations Centre) via a wireless connection through a worldwide SIM card. This ensures that no Internet connectivity is needed, so there is no loss of signal through a missed connection or network outage.

Given that these systems are often deployed at more remote properties or projects (usually as part of a vacant property security solution, for instance), they’re fully autonomous for the length of their deployment. Outside of their power, they have a weatherproof outer coat that’s designed to withstand the rain, snow and inclement conditions that the UK is renowned for.

As one of the biggest strides forward in recent years, the VPOD has seen use cases across multiple different sectors, but it’s arguably most impactful for those in the construction industry.

Why Is A VPOD Useful For Securing A Construction Site?

The VPOD’s suitability for construction sites is largely due to its easy deployment and demobilisation process, full autonomy (you don’t need to touch it once it’s set up) and its ability to fit around other on-site security measures. The PIR sensors are adept at filtering out many of the more common, non-human movements on construction sites (like plant machinery or loose material in the wind) to ensure there are minimal false detections.

There’s also the ability to monitor the system remotely through an included application. This is ideal if you’re the principal contractor, where site security falls under your jurisdiction and must be factored into the plans you make. For instance, if multiple areas of your site need monitoring or are at risk, you can then have a central point of monitoring for all activations.

VPODs are fully remotely monitored by an external company, too, minimising the need for any dedicated on-site personnel and alleviating the concerns you’ll no doubt have as the primary contractor. With ProFM, for instance, we’re able to deploy an operative at the first notification of danger – adding a layer of support and reducing insurance and liability premiums further by proving your commitment to effective security.

The reduction in insurance premiums isn’t a small factor, either. In our experience with construction clients, we’re increasingly seeing that Contractor’s All Risk (CAR) insurance policies expect there to be a documented, well-researched security plan in place. The VPOD fills that gap and offers photographic evidence for any necessary claims, too.

Key Areas To Deploy A VPOD On Your Construction Site

Your security provider will be able to set these up where needed following a thorough site assessment, but as a general rule, these will be installed in the areas of your site where security vulnerabilities are most prominent (such as around the site’s perimeter, at entrance points and vehicle access points or where high-value stock is stored).

Here’s where we would recommend VPODs be used on your construction site:

At Strategic Points On The Site Perimeter

As the first line of defence for your construction project, your site perimeter can be further reinforced by the presence of a VPOD. While smaller sites or self-contained builds may find that Heras fencing is enough to keep intruders at bay, larger projects or those that have previously been victims of theft or trespassing can utilise the VPOD to offer additional perimeter support.

It’s also an ideal deterrent if you’ve opted not to use any solid hoarding as part of your external perimeter. With most VPODs designed to act as a highly visible deterrent to criminals (particularly those who are opportunistic as opposed to organised criminal gangs), they effectively function as an extension of your on-site security provisions.

Here’s an example of where ProFM Group deployed a VPOD system as part of a recent demolition project on the outskirts of a city centre:

Outside Tool & Equipment Storage

As statistically the most stolen item from construction sites, tools and equipment are a major target for thieves. They’re not just expensive and difficult to replace, but the black market for tools is also historically very difficult to track, with fewer than 15% of tradespeople ever getting their stolen tools back.

All of this can contribute towards costly project delays, but a VPOD can alleviate those concerns, alongside offering tangible evidence if a theft were to occur. An integrated 120dB alarm acts as the first warning sign, before the PIR sensors activate the cameras and take a picture of the threat.

Here’s how ProFM Group included this as part of an ongoing deployment at a major housing development in the South West:

Close To The Site Manager’s Office

While it’s less of an obvious area for concern, positioning a VPOD outside of the Site Manager’s office isn’t necessarily for the protection of the office itself. While there will often be keys and site blueprints stored there, the bigger targets are often the materials stored on site, or the tools and equipment your contractors and labourers use.

The reason behind this recommendation is that the Site Manager’s office is usually quite central and positioned along the main route into the site. This is an ideal spot for a VPOD, which operates based on a line of sight and functions as both a deterrent and an additional security measure.

Placing the VPOD here also means you will have constant oversight. While your sensors and alerts will always be monitored by your security provider, there’s an additional layer of reassurance in being able to see your tech in action.

That’s what we deployed as part of our recent work on a new-build housing estate:

Around Any Plant Machinery In Situ

The biggest targets on your site are often the biggest pieces of equipment, which are the most crucial for completing those early phases of your project. Loaders and dozers, for example, are integral in clearing the ground that excavators have dug up, but there’s a substantial market for plant machinery that’s been obtained illegally.

This is another area where the VPOD can excel. Its portability doesn’t come at the detriment of its crime-stopping and reporting capabilities, so it also works exceptionally well on fast-moving projects. This ensures that a VPOD can be quickly moved to another area in the event of site traffic fluctuating.

ProFM have had excellent success deploying a VPOD to protect tipper trucks and dozers at a housing estate:

On Any Finished But Unoccupied Developments

Construction projects are very rarely confined to one area. As they expand, your security solutions should, too – and this is where the VPOD can fill a much-needed niche. Temporarily vacant properties are a major target for illegal squatting, which can ultimately lead to further delays and costly legal battles.

In these cases, a VPOD is truly multi-purpose. In the first instance, it’s a deterrent, repelling criminals at the first hurdle. Beyond that, it’s an evidence-gathering tool, offering photographic evidence of people illegally using the property you’ve built. Finally, it’s a connection to the professionals, and a concrete reassurance that your site is protected.

Here’s an example of this system in action as part of a rapidly expanding new-build estate in the Bristol area:

Cutting-Edge VPOD Tech With ProFM Group

Offering a range of different applications throughout the construction process, the VPOD represents one of the sector’s most versatile and highly sought-after solutions. Its portability, unmatched connectivity and unlimited battery life make it robust enough to suit the demands of even rural projects, all without the concerns that a dropped connection could leave your property defenceless.

ProFM Group delivers that comprehensive reassurance with the accreditations to match. Our VPODs are fully certified to NSI Gold standards, and installed by trained security professionals to ensure they’re placed for maximum impact. We’re also Constructionline Gold-certified, meaning we’re well-versed in delivering security packages that meet the needs of this rapidly evolving industry.

Speak to our in-house experts today to discuss how we’re able to scale a VPOD package to suit your project, and how we seamlessly blend this security technology with our rapid-response mobile security personnel for an all-encompassing solution.