Rebuilding after the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires means months of open lots, staged lumber and copper, expensive equipment, and streets where nobody is living yet. Residents in the Palisades have reported repeated thefts of tools and equipment from active rebuild sites, with individual losses in the thousands of dollars, and some neighbors have hired private security on their own.1 Malibu contracted private armed patrols when access to the burn area reopened.2
Before materials arrive
- Fence the lot fully and use a gate with a quality lock. Post the owner or contractor contact on the gate.
- Schedule deliveries for the morning of use where possible, so materials are not staged overnight.
- Photograph the lot and any equipment at the start of each week. Insurers ask for this.
- Record serial numbers on tools, generators, and appliances.
While the build is active
- Lock tools and small equipment in a secured container every night. Do not leave them in a truck bed.
- Wire, copper pipe, and appliances go in last or get secured the day they arrive.
- Install temporary lighting and cameras with a cellular connection, since many lots have no Wi Fi.
- Decide who is responsible for security: the owner or the general contractor. Put it in writing.
Choosing coverage
Lots with staged materials or equipment usually need a posted officer overnight, at least during the stages when copper, appliances, and fixtures are on site. Early stage lots often do well with randomized patrol checks that log photos at every visit. On streets with several rebuilds at once, a shared patrol split among neighbors is often the most cost effective option.
If something is taken
Report it to police and your insurer the same day, with photos, serial numbers, and the last time the site was checked. A timestamped patrol log showing when the lot was last verified makes both reports stronger.