Protect What You Already Have (and Save Money!)

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/plCkA)
Theft in the construction industry is becoming increasingly common as bulldozers and Bobcats disappear from jobsites. Also common is to have parts and doors stolen from heavy equipment to be sold for scrap. Random items such as skid loaders, forks, rims, electric motors, tractor weights, concrete rebar, PTO shafts and more are routinely stolen from construction sites. A GPS tracking device is the key to protecting assets on the job site. In the case of rental equipment, the device can alert you if the equipment leaves a predetermined area. Fleet equipment and vehicles can be closely monitored, also. Real time surveillance of out-of-the way locations can provide additional security. Geo-fencing capabilities ensure that when an asset perimeter is breached - an alarm and text message is generated and you immediately what is happening.

A GPS or Global Positioning Satellite is a navigation system based on twenty-four satellites launched by the U.S. Department of Defense and this world-wide tracking system is now available to anyone who wants to use it. The satellites orbit the earth twice each day, transmitting very precise location information. It is available for commercial use and many businesses are actively using it to improve their delivery times, save on fuel and thwart unnecessary employee activities.

Recently it was reported in New Hampshire that doors had been stolen from Bobcats left at a construction site. Aside from the steep expense, the doors have to be ordered and can potentially delay a job. In fact, because this is such a big problem, the doors are frequently on backorder. This crime was solved with the owner happened to see his door with an identifying mark on it listed on Craigslist and was able to trace it back to the thief. However, most of the time people without GPS tracking devices on their equipment aren’t so lucky.

Up until now, the theft of heavy equipment was a frequent and unfortunate occurrence and a very difficult crime to solve. However, with the advent of GPS tracking devices, a small tracking device can easily be concealed on the heavy front door of a Bobcat which will enable law enforcement to easily find it. The devices are so small and inconspicuous that it will not be obvious they are in place and if a piece of equipment does happen to be stolen, it can be easily recovered.

While the purchase of GPS tracking devices to prevent construction industry theft is an investment it may very well pay for itself in lower insurance rates, less downtime and in the retention of very expensive assets. It is well worth the money spent to prevent theft of valuable equipment.