How To Prevent Construction Equipment Theft

Burglars broke into Landings Restaurant in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's earlier this year with a backhoe and took the ATM. This was the fifth instance of heavy equipment being used in local thefts this year. Another incident involved the theft of an S160 Bobcat skid steer loader in Moniteau County. This is just one of many construction equipment theft incidents this year.

Many contractors and business owners face a major problem of construction equipment theft. Because construction sites are often accessible and may be left unattended, they can become targets for theft. This can lead to expensive equipment losses and project delays. There is no single method for locating and recovering stolen equipment, which makes it quite challenging to locate.

When applied effectively, security measures can help reduce theft risk. Use authorized GPS tracking for owned equipment, security cameras, and appropriate locks to protect your equipment. These measures can help reduce losses, minimize project delays, and improve equipment security. Investing in security measures protects not only the items you own but also everyone's safety at work.

Key Takeaways: 

• Construction equipment theft is a significant issue, especially in high-activity states like Texas and North Carolina.
• GPS Tracking for Construction Equipment can help protect owned equipment by providing location updates, coverage where supported, and alert features.
• Additional security measures include installing lights, security cameras, alarms, fencing, and hiring a night security guard or on-site security personnel.

The Reality of Construction Equipment Theft

According to the 2016 Annual Theft Report by the NER, construction equipment theft is more common in states where there is a high volume of construction and therefore more machinery on job sites, particularly Texas and North Carolina. It was found that most stolen equipment are loaders (skid steer, backhoe, and wheel loader) and tractors. Interestingly, the report points out that larger equipment may be at greater risk of being stolen without being noticed right away by those responsible for managing it. The report further shows that thieves choose high-value equipment from well-known manufacturers like Cat, Toro, Kubota, John Deere, Bobcat, and others.

GPS Tracking for Construction Equipment

To keep up with the growing demands of equipment theft protection, many companies have developed GPS tracking devices. Using GPS tracking to help protect owned construction equipment has significantly become a trend over the years because it can help reduce security and recovery-related costs. As a matter of fact, the 2018 Club Cargo Theft Report done by the BSI and TT Club concludes that the use of GPS tracking devices in the vehicle/trailer, as well as the use of authorized GPS tracking devices within the cargo, is an important protocol which should be followed to help prevent theft. 

Benefits of GPS Tracking for Construction Equipment Theft Prevention

1. Cost-Effective Operations 

Hiring security personnel for construction sites can be very costly, which is why many small to medium businesses avoid it. Security cameras, while useful, are often expensive and not foolproof. 

To solve this problem, construction companies use GPS trackers. A GPS tracker may cost around $140, depending on the device and service plan. For a site with 100 pieces of equipment, the annual cost is around $14,000. This may cost less than relying only on on-site security staff, which can cost around $26,400 per year. GPS tracking is a cost-effective tool to help reduce theft risk and support recovery.

2. Ongoing Equipment Location Updates 

GPS tracking devices can provide ongoing location updates when powered and connected. When installed in vehicles, they use the vehicle's electrical system, eliminating the need for battery recharges. Installation is quick and easy. If you're not comfortable with basic automotive work, a professional can install it, but it's simple enough to do yourself if you have the skills. 

Before GPS trackers, keeping track of construction equipment was difficult. Now, with a GPS tracker installed on company-owned equipment, authorized account users can view registered equipment locations and status updates. This helps managers confirm whether equipment is in the expected location and take action if it appears to move unexpectedly.

3. Worldwide Coverage

When equipment is in transit, it can enter areas with limited cellular service, making it hard to communicate with drivers and foremen. This is an opportunity for thieves. However, with GPS tracking devices like Tracki, authorized users can receive location updates in areas with supported GSM cellular reception, helping improve visibility when equipment is in supported coverage areas. 

4. Inventory Tracking

Construction companies frequently fail to report missing equipment because they don't know it's missing. This is a typical problem, according to the NER. Inventory management is much simpler with GPS tracking. Incorporating this technology into daily activities saves time and reduces stress by allowing assets to be located quickly and effectively.

5. Alert System 

Many GPS tracking systems include alert features. Owners of construction sites can set up geographic boundaries that will send out notifications when equipment leaves a specific area. This can help alert teams quickly when equipment moves unexpectedly. Select a GPS tracker that notifies you immediately if it leaves an authorized geofence or designated jobsite area, moves outside scheduled operating hours or exceeds preset speed limits.

Other Tips to Help Prevent Construction Equipment Theft

Install GPS trackers on company-owned construction equipment

GPS trackers can help authorized account users view registered equipment locations and receive alerts when equipment moves unexpectedly.

Install lights around your entire property

Ensuring the security of your construction site is crucial to preventing the theft of valuable equipment. Installing lights around your entire property can be an effective deterrent against theft. 

Here are some ways to do it:

1. Plan the layout: Review the site layout and identify key areas like entrances, equipment storage areas, and dark corners that require lighting.
2. Choose the Right Lighting: Choose high-intensity LED lights to improve visibility around key areas of the property. Consider motion-activated lights for added security.
3. Install Lighting Fixtures: Install lights in essential places and make sure to cover all vulnerable areas. Set lights at a high level to create a large area of visibility and help deter theft.
4. Use Timers and Sensors: Combine motion sensors and timers to ensure the lights operate properly and help identify unusual activity around the site. This can also give the impression of an area with active security measures.
5. Regular Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain your lighting system to ensure all fixtures are functioning correctly. Replace any faulty bulbs or damaged fixtures promptly.

Installing Security Cameras and an Alarm System

Protecting construction equipment from theft is essential for maintaining project timelines and budgets. Installing security cameras and an alarm system can provide stronger protection. 

Here's a brief guide on how to enhance your site's security:

1. Plan the Protection System: Identify critical points on your construction site, such as entrances, exits, equipment storage areas, and high-traffic areas that need added security coverage.
2. Choose the Right Cameras: Select high-resolution, night-vision cameras. For broader coverage, consider pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras.
3. Strategic Camera Placement: Installing cameras strategically can help cover all important areas without creating blind spots. Put them up high enough to reduce the risk of tampering and to provide broader site visibility.
4. Integrate an Alarm System: Put in a reliable alarm system along with your security cameras. To detect tampering or unauthorized access, choose systems with motion, door/window, and glass break detectors.
5. Remote Security Alerts: Select a security system that provides real-time alerts and remote access to authorized security footage. This allows you to review footage and alerts remotely if unusual activity is detected.
6. Regular Maintenance and Testing: Test and maintain your cameras and alarm system frequently to ensure proper operation. Update your system and immediately change any broken parts.

Install Fencing

1. Secure Perimeter: Installing fencing creates a strong physical barrier around the construction site, deterring unauthorized access and reducing the risk of equipment theft.
2. Enhanced Visibility: High-quality fencing improves visibility, making it easier for security personnel to monitor the site and identify potential intruders.
3. Controlled Access Points: Fencing at entry and exit points allows controlled access, letting only authorized people into the construction site.
4. Long-Lasting Materials: Use durable fencing materials designed to resist tampering and forced entry.
5. Cost-Effective Solution: Investing in strong fencing can help reduce theft-related losses.
6. Customizable Options: Height, material, and additional deterrent features can be adjusted to fit your construction site requirements.
7. Deterrent Effect: Professional fencing can act as a visible deterrent that makes would-be criminals think before trying to enter the property.

Night Security Guard

A night security guard can help reduce the risk of construction equipment theft.

1. On-Site Security Presence: During non-working hours, night security guards provide an on-site security presence, ensuring a human presence that can respond immediately to suspicious activity or potential threats.
2. Deterrent Effect: Potential thieves may be discouraged from targeting a location with a night security guard on duty.
3. Quick Response: To help reduce theft risk and support site safety, security guards can inspect and respond to security breaches or alarms, coordinating with police if needed.

A Final Word

GPS tracking systems can help construction businesses improve asset visibility, support faster stolen equipment recovery, and reduce the disruption caused by theft. When used with proper locks, lighting, cameras, fencing, and clear internal procedures, authorized GPS tracking can be a practical part of a stronger jobsite security plan.