Construction Theft is a Local Issue
The report also indicated that construction theft is a local issue.  In 97 percent of the cases, the stolen equipment was recovered in the same state in which the theft was reported.  It was either in a storage facility or in use at another local jobsite.  Unlike auto theft, which has a higher incidence in major cities around the country, construction theft is not confined to city streets and urban areas.  Rather, it often occurs in suburban areas where construction activity has been high. 

LoJack's Guide to Theft Protection
Below is LoJack's advice on how to protect equipment and businesses from the costly problem of theft:

Keep Good Records

• Label all equipment with unique identifying numbers, including the following:
• Product Identification Numbers (PIN)
• Owner Applied Number (OAN)
•  Consider marking above numbers in multiple locations on equipment

• Keep accurate inventory records
• Record manufacturer, model number, year, PIN and purchase date for each piece of equipment
• Record serial numbers of each major component parts

• Consider registering your equipment with a national database

Focus on Physical Site Security

• When possible, fence in your equipment
• Park equipment close together and in a circle if feasible, with smaller pieces in the center; chain small equipment to larger equipment
• Install on-site security cameras and motion sensors on the jobsite
• Communicate with law enforcement.  Request more frequent patrols, especially in known high-theft areas

Use Theft Deterrents and Proven Recovery Systems

• Use immobilization devices such as wheel locks, fuel shut-offs or ignition locks
• Consider installing battery-disconnect switches
• Use a proven tracking/recovery system that offers time-tested tracking technology and is integrated with police so that recovery is in the hands of the law.  

About the Study
The 2008 LoJack Construction Equipment Theft Report is based on state theft statistics and equipment recoveries documented by LoJack in 26 states from January to December 2008.  LoJack has been tracking theft/recovery data for the past eight years and will continue to issue these reports annually to provide the industry with valuable statistics and trend information. 

*Source: The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB