Unfortunately, when it comes to construction equipment theft, Texas tops the charts. With valuable machinery often stored at dealerships, worksites and storage facilities, these locations become prime targets for thieves.
If you’re in the construction industry, protecting your equipment isn’t just a priority; it’s essential. Here, we’ll explore effective asset tracking solutions, including why real-time construction site security with GPS is indispensable in the construction industry for theft prevention for heavy machinery.
Construction equipment theft is costly to you and your customers. Construction losses cost as much as $1 billion annually, with only about 23% of stolen items (worth $770 million) ever recovered. For residential projects alone, these costs can add 1% to 2% to the price of a new house.
Texas had nearly three times as many reports of stolen equipment than the second state on the list (North Carolina). Six of the 10 cities with the most construction equipment theft were in Texas, twice as many as Florida, which had three cities in the top 10 list. Together, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, California, Georgia and Oklahoma account for about 40% of all heavy equipment thefts.
Texas has been experiencing a population boom due to the state’s appealing quality of life and a corresponding residential construction boom. Stolen construction equipment is valuable and easy to sell, often across state lines or overseas, where it’s hard to track and recover. Most equipment is stolen over the weekend or holidays when construction sites are unattended. The most-stolen equipment includes:
With Texas being such a hot spot for construction equipment theft, what can your company do to protect itself?
Construction companies have several options for protecting their assets, including:
1. Physical Barriers: Security fences, locked gates and barriers deter opportunistic thieves.
2. Surveillance Systems: Cameras provide evidence and act as a deterrent, but they’re not always effective in preventing theft.
3. Lighting: Well-lit areas make it harder for thieves to operate undetected.
4. Alarm Systems: Audible alarms can scare off intruders.
While these methods are helpful, none of them offer the real-time theft prevention and recovery capabilities of GPS tracking for construction equipment. GPS technology is an essential layer of security that ensures fast action in the event of a theft.
When construction equipment is stolen, every minute counts. Without notification, you might not even realize a theft has occurred until it’s too late. A GPS tracking device, like PassTime’s Encore, provides location data and geofence alerts for your equipment, allowing you to act quickly if a problem occurs.
Once theft has been detected, recovering the stolen equipment becomes the top priority. GPS tracking devices enable real-time construction site security with GPS, allowing you to pinpoint the location of your machinery. Law enforcement can use this information to retrieve your assets efficiently and safely.
In addition to recovery, theft prevention GPS for heavy machinery can help deter thieves before they act. When potential thieves suspect your equipment might be protected with GPS tracking, they’re less likely to target it. This proactive approach can save construction companies thousands of dollars in lost equipment and downtime.
PassTime’s asset tracking solutions, including Encore, offer unparalleled construction site security with GPS. This device provides complementary features that work together to safeguard your machinery.
Encore is a compact, battery-powered, easy-to-install and durable GPS tracking device designed for robust performance in challenging environments. Its features include:
Rugged Design: Waterproof and dust-tight, Encore is tough enough for all kinds of equipment and environments.
PassTime is committed to providing exceptional customer service. From initial installation to ongoing support, the PassTime team ensures you get the most out of your asset tracking solutions.
With decades of experience in GPS technology, PassTime has a proven record of helping businesses protect their valuable assets. The company’s innovative products are trusted by industries ranging from construction to transportation.
Don’t leave your construction equipment vulnerable to theft. Protect your assets with PassTime’s Encore GPS tracking solution. Contact PassTime today to request a quote and discover how their advanced technology can safeguard your business.
