Preventive measures for machinery theft

The theft of vehicles, parts, fuel, and tools affects up to 83% of machinery owners according to the figures published by “Cygnus Business media” in 2014.

The main reasons for theft are: -The high cost of acquiring vehicles or parts at resale. -Lack of surveillance in warehouses or work sites. -Relatively low sentences

To minimize the probability of a theft, you should consider factors related to your machine and the storage location of your equipment, tools, and parts. Follow the following recommendations:

At the storage site:

-Take a distribution of your equipment in circular formation leaving space in the center for small vehicles or light machinery. Besides, ensure that each machine have a place designated by default because, in the absence of one of them, you will immediately know what vehicle it is.

-Install lighting systems to add security at night, the light towers can easily reach 30 feet in height, and some designs feature 360-degree rotation, the rotating light beam could intimidate potential thieves.

-Consider the use of fences, fences, and “no trespassing” signs, especially in places near the storage site.

-Install a set of security cameras that provide a 360-degree view of the storage site considering night vision technology.

-If there is no employees in your storage site for long hours, you should install motion-activated sensors, the cost will range between 500 and 1500 dollars depending on the requirements. Most motion sensors can differentiate between people and small animals.

-Tools and parts, should be kept out of sight in containers that resist bolt cutters and cutting blowpipes.

In the machine.

-Make a record of each of the vehicles that make up your fleet associating the following information: Brand, model, serial number, engine serial, hydraulic pump, and each of the parts that you consider most important of your machine.

-Order unique badges for your machines or their most important parts, these can be paint works or metal engraving.

-In light machinery use anti-theft locks by hooking, avoiding theft by dragging.

-Establish by protocol the locking of doors, main controls, and traction of your machines when they are in disuse through padlocks specially designed for this task.

-Consider hiring equipment tracking systems or remote location via GPS.

Prevention should be your main priority to avoid substantial financial losses in the future, do not wait to be a victim of crime.