An estimated $400 million dollars worth of heavy construction equipment is stolen every year¹ – and that figure doesn’t even include the theft of tools or building materials, damage to remaining property caused by thieves, replacement costs, delay penalties, and the cost of wasted time for both workforce and management.

If you add it all up, the full cost of stolen construction equipment is likely closer to $1 billion dollars per year¹. Yes, billion with a “b.” If you’re thinking that’s a big problem, you’re right. A study conducted by LoJack found that 83% of equipment owners have been victims of theft at some point in their careers². So what can be done? If you want to secure your worksite and equipment, just remember VROOM and SCREECH:

To secure equipment, think VROOM

Vehicles

…should be identified. Do all the vehicles in the vicinity belong to your company? Are there lots of vehicles around a business that is closed for the day? Are there individuals sitting in their vehicles in the lot? Are any of those vehicles capable of hauling or towing away your equipment?

Remove

…valuables from machinery cabs. Equipment theft is made easier when universal keys are left in an open cab.

Observe

…at all times. Always keep an eye out for suspicious activity on job sites, parking lots, and rental facilities.

Odd Hours

…have a higher threat level – either at night, in the off-season (November to March), or during holidays – when the equipment is more likely to be left unattended. Especially during odd hours, be sure to store and secure equipment.

Maintain

…secure entrances and always close the gates during non-business hours.

To secure worksites, think SCREECH

Security checks

…should be conducted regularly to evaluate the site for potential vulnerability. Make sure there are no blind spots in the parking area and schedule sporadic check-ins on the property over long weekends.

Cooperate

…with other businesses around you, and make plans to look out for each other.

Report

…any and all suspicious activity to the police.

Ensure

….vehicle alarms work properly (perform monthly tests), tracking devices are installed whenever possible, and equipment isn’t left on a trailer (that’s just gift-wrapping it for thieves!).

Employ

…the right people. Run thorough background checks on all potential new hires before giving them access to machinery.

Cameras

…provide an additional level of security, but make sure you invest in high-quality technology that can actually capture images with enough detail – even at night – that can help law enforcement find and return your property.

Hire security

…especially if crime is a problem in your area, or if your business has been victimized previously, consider hiring private security.

1. http://www.ner.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Annual-Theft-Report-2016.pdf
2. https://www.bdcnetwork.com/construction-equipment-continues-be-vulnerable-theft