Theft Prevention Tips

Equipment Theft Prevention Tips 
 
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), annual losses from equipment theft are as high as $1 billion. If your machine is stolen you have to replace it, pay for a short term rental, and you lose time dealing with law enforcement and insurance adjusters—time that could have been spent productively on the job. 
 
To help you take precautions for equipment theft prevention, we’ve put together some tips and best practices. 
 
Secure your site 
 
One of the most important parts of machine theft prevention is adding security to your jobsites and equipment storage areas. We recommend using chain link fencing that is at least eight feet high with barbed wire or razor tape at the top. Routinely check your fence for signs of damage or tampering. It’s best to only have one way in and out of the fence, and the gate should be padlocked. 
 
Warning signs and lighting 
 
In addition to fencing, it’s smart to put up signs saying “no trespassing” that also outline the fines or penalties associated with entering your site without permission. Put up lights along the entire fence, so the work or storage area is brightly lit at night. 
 
Use equipment security 
 
Besides securing your work or storage area, another important part of equipment theft prevention is securing your actual machines. Here are a few ways to do that:
 

• Use chains or cables to attach your machine to a fixed objection on-site
• Remove hitch on towed equipment or trailers.
• Take off tires on equipment that is not being used regularly.
• Install theft prevention devices that disable fuel, hydraulic and/or electrical systems on higher value equipment.
• Consider removing wires and/or battery on larger equipment.
• Install a GPS tracking device on larger equipment

 
Maintain tight records 
 
If theft prevention fails, and your equipment is stolen, it will be very helpful to law enforcement if you have an accurate inventory, plus records on each machine. The faster the police can work, the faster they can recover your stolen equipment. Here are some tips for maintaining records:
 

• Keep a detailed inventory of all equipment on a worksite. Include record year, manufacturer, model number, and serial number.
• Take photos of all units from each side and update photos periodically.
• Record all modifications, like paint color, and report to the police to help aid identification and proof of ownership.
• Register your equipment on a national database that works with law enforcement, such as the National Equipment Register (NER): www.ner.net.

 
Properly insure and value your machines 
 
Understanding the correct value of your equipment and having it adequately insured will make a huge difference if a machine is stolen, and you’re not able to recover it. That way, you can be sure to recoup the full amount of what your piece of equipment is worth. At Pittman, our team can accurately value your new equipment. 
 
If you have any questions about equipment theft prevention, please contact our team today!