They're Still Stealing Your Stuff
Thieves continue doing their best to make off with equipment you own, according to the most recent report provided by the NER and NCIC. The 2013 report, available here, covers theft of construction and agricultural equipment. Thieves were active in all 50 states, making off with an estimated $300 million or more (some estimates are $400 million to $1 billion) worth of someone else's equipment. As little as 20% of stolen equipment is recovered, the report states.
The National Equipment Register and National Insurance Crime Bureau report is based on data collected on more than 10,000 reported thefts. Some key conclusions:
Texas, North Carolina, Florida, California and South Carolina are the top 5 states for theft, with Texas far and away see more equipment moved by the wrong hands. These states represented 41% of all thefts. Followed by Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Alabama and Arkansas, which takes the total to 62% of all thefts.
These correspond to the volume of equipment available. The report says organized theft rings are likely in areas with high concentration of equipment and large number of potential buyers for used equipment (stolen or not). In other words, they're making a living off of what you and others own.
More than 60% of equipment is stolen on "Other's Premises" - job sites. These sites typically have lower levels of security. Not quite one-third of the thefts occurred on the "Insured's Premises," and the rest happen when equipment is in transit.
Mowers, riding and garden tractors, and loaders (skid steers, backhoes, wheel loaders) head the target list. The mower/tractor group makes up 45% of thefts with the loader group comprising 17% of thefts. Skid steers were the most coveted item within that group. But chippers, light towers, excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, generators ,compressors - everything that's on a job site is a potential pick.
And, of course, all things being equal, thieves go after the newest models. After all, they're worth more. Not quite half of the equipment reported stolen last year was manufactured in the last five model years, with 2012 and 2013 models making up about 60% of the thefts.
The upshot - of course - do your best to improve security on job sites and on your lots, increasing your risk management efforts for your high-value, easily-moved equipment. The NER and NICB also urge improved vigilance for fast reporting when something goes missing; supplying accurate information to law enforcement 24 hours a day through the two groups.
The NER's website is here. Find the NICB site here.
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