How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Theft

Nearly half a billion dollars in construction equipment was stolen in 2008. Here are some ways to keep from being a victim.

• Bring it back: Think twice about leaving equipment at a remote location over a weekend—or even overnight.
• Make it hard on the thieves: If the equipment is unattended, be sure to remove trailers. They make a criminal’s job even easier.
• Consider security systems: One option is the Cat^® Machine Security System (MSS). The best systems, including MSS, are integrated into the electronics, meaning thieves can’t bypass the system.
• Pay extra attention to what the bad guys typically are after: Skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders and tractors account for nearly 70 percent of stolen equipment.
• Know who comes and goes on a jobsite: Not all thefts happen at night.
• Know who you’re hiring: Background checks are important, as are reference checks.
• Watch your neighbor—and the weather: Most thefts occur in spring, when a contractor might be a little desperate and a lot short on cash. In many cases, the equipment is stolen and used within about 60 miles of the crime scene.