Each year, high-cost construction machinery worth a staggering $650 million is stolen from work sites across Australia. This alarming figure calls for action to be taken.
Theft of equipment can have a severe impact on businesses and individual equipment owners. To combat this issue, the construction industry has adopted innovative technologies that have significantly improved equipment protection measures. These game-changing solutions have taken equipment security to new, more advanced levels.
“Technology has had a significantly positive impact on the frequency and consequences of equipment theft in the construction industry,” say Martin Reid, WesTrac Product Specialist.
The use of tracking devices in inconspicuous areas has had a significantly positive impact on reducing instances of equipment theft in the construction industry. He stated that having a tracking device installed makes thieves apprehensive and less likely to commit the crime. In several cases, the stolen equipment has been retrieved, and larger criminal organizations have been identified and disbanded. In one instance in Western Australia, WesTrac was able to recover a machine fitted with a tracking device on the same day it was stolen, leading to the discovery of other stolen items in the same building.
By using GPS tracking, a machine can have a tracker installed in it, and by utilizing software such as VisionLink, information is transmitted from the tracker, providing up-to-date information on the location, condition, and performance of the equipment at any given time. This knowledge of the equipment’s precise location is of great assistance in retrieving it if it is stolen.
Another innovative technology that can aid in protecting equipment from theft is geofencing. This involves creating a virtual perimeter or “fence” around a specific geographic area, which when used with software such as VisionLink, can send an alert if a piece of machinery leaves the intended area.
User codes instead of keys can be a smart safety feature to prevent unauthorized access to construction machinery. Cat® construction machines are equipped with embedded keypads, which ensure that only approved and qualified operators can start the machine. This feature eliminates the risk of lost or stolen keys, which could fall into the wrong hands and lead to equipment theft or misuse.
By implementing advanced technologies and also enforcing basic anti-theft measures, you can effectively safeguard your construction equipment and site against theft.
Here are 6 tips to protect your valuable construction equipment.
Use tracking technology (and track equipment regularly daily)
Knowing the precise location of your equipment can be incredibly valuable in the event of theft. In today’s digital world, there are various ways to track your machinery round the clock. By investing in GPS tracking and geofencing software, such as VisionLink, you can be assured of always being aware of the location of your equipment, as well as lower insurance premiums, providing peace of mind.
Ramp up onsite security
Investing in a high-quality surveillance system can be an effective way to deter theft and assist law enforcement in identifying the perpetrators. A surveillance system with high-resolution night vision is particularly valuable for protecting your construction equipment fleet and can be a wise business investment.
Choose equipment with internal aerials and back-up batteries
To prevent thieves from disabling the GPS tracker, it is advisable to choose machinery with internal aerials instead of external ones that are easily cut off. Additionally, selecting equipment with a backup battery ensures that the GPS tracker can continue to transmit data even when the machine is switched off.
Establish a clear theft prevention policy
Preventing theft on a jobsite isn’t just about protecting heavy machinery. Other items like tools, equipment, and scrap materials can also be targeted by thieves, including employees or subcontractors who may want them for personal use. To address this, implementing a theft prevention policy can help ensure that everyone on the jobsite is aware of the rules and consequences for stealing.
Mark your machinery with your brand
One of the simplest yet often forgotten ways to secure your equipment and machinery is to label them with your company’s brand or any other identification mark. This will significantly aid the police in tracing them in the event of theft. Maintain a secure record of serial numbers and photographs of unique identifiers such as dents or scratches to help you recognize your property. You can seek the services of an equipment solutions provider, such as WesTrac, to label both new and used machinery.
Choose a reliable equipment solutions partner
When selecting an equipment solutions partner, it is important to consider their ability to provide protection against equipment theft. While having preventative measures in place is crucial, a strong relationship with a dependable and responsive partner can make all the difference in the unfortunate event of a theft.
