When a staggering $650 million of high-cost construction machinery is stolen from work sites around Australia each year, something's got to give.
Equipment theft has a devastating knock-on effect for businesses and owner-operators. To stem the losses, the construction industry is taking the matter into its own hands, championing game-changing technologies, that have taken equipment protection measures to new, and far more powerful heights.
WesTrac Product Specialist Martin Reid said technology was having an enormously positive impact on the instances and outcomes of equipment theft in the construction industry.
"Having tracking devices installed in discrete locations naturally makes thieves nervous. Having a device fitted will make them think twice before doing the crime," he said.
"In many theft cases, the machine is returned, or a larger crime ring is identified and disbanded. In WA, WesTrac was able to recover a machine fitted with a tracking device on the same day it was stolen. This also led to the discovery of other stolen goods in the same building."
With GPS tracking, a tracker is embedded into the machine, and using software like VisionLink, data is submitted from the tracker providing real-time insight into the location, status and productivity of your equipment anywhere, anytime. Recovery of the equipment is significantly aided by knowing its exact location.
Geofencing – a virtual perimeter or 'fence' around a geographic area – is another innovative technology which, when used with software such as VisionLink, can alert you if a piece of machinery leaves the area you intend it to be.
The use of user codes instead of keys are a smart safety feature which prevent keys from falling into the wrong hands. Cat® construction machines have embedded keypads which mean only approved and qualified operators can start a machine.
Taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies like these, as well as enforcing more straightforward theft prevention approaches, can help keep your construction site and machinery protected from theft.
Here are six ways to protect your valuable construction equipment.
Use tracking technology (and track equipment regularly daily)
What can be more valuable in the event of theft than knowing the exact location of your machinery? In this increasingly digital world, there are plenty of ways to help you track your equipment 24/7. Investing in GPS tracking and geofencing software, like VisionLink, offers peace of mind in always knowing exactly where your machinery is, as well as lower insurance premiums.
Ramp up onsite security
It won't surprise anyone to learn that a good surveillance system goes a long way to help deter theft and aid police in identifying the culprits. Purchasing a quality system with high-resolution night-vision is a good business investment to protect your fleet.
Choose equipment with internal aerials and back-up batteries
Thieves know to cut external aerials off, so look for machinery with internal aerials. Selecting machinery with a backup battery ensures the GPS tracker continues to submit information even when the machine is off.
Establish a clear theft prevention policy
Of course, machinery isn't all that can go missing from a jobsite. Tools, other equipment, even scrap materials are hot property for thieves, or even employees or subcontractors who might want them for personal use. Having a theft prevention policy ensures everyone on the jobsite is aware of the rules and consequences for stealing.
Mark your machinery with your brand
Perhaps the most obvious, but often overlooked security measure, is marking your equipment and machinery with your brand or other identifier. This will go a long way in helping police track it down in the case of theft. Keep secure records of serial numbers and photographs of distinguishing marks, like dents or scratches, so you can easily identify what's yours. You can enlist the help of an equipment solutions partner, like WesTrac, to brand both new and used machinery.
Choose a reliable equipment solutions partner
Protection against equipment theft should be a top consideration when choosing an equipment solutions partner. Having precautionary measures in place is crucial, but a good relationship with a reliable and responsive partner can make a world of difference in the event of a theft.
WesTrac offers a wide range of solutions to protect you against equipment theft. Visit the website to find out more.
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