By Glen Sider

When?

Thefts should be reported to authorities as soon as possible to increase the chance of recovery. Time is of the essence, as your equipment might already be far from your area–perhaps on its way to another state–by the time you discover the loss.

Do not give up hope and decide it's not worth the effort. Not all stolen equipment crosses state lines or is exported. Even if the loss occurred years ago, there's still a chance your equipment might still be recovered if you made a report of the loss to law enforcement.

Who?

The reporting person should be familiar with the equipment.

Report your loss to law enforcement. Without this report number you will find it difficult or impossible to make a claim with your insurer or recover the equipment if it is subsequently located.

Report your loss to your insurer and a specialist service, such as National Equipment Register, for better recovery odds.

Report your loss to other contractors in your area. They just might see or hear something that will help the authorities find it.

What?

Report complete details, including year, manufacturer, model, product identification number (PIN) or serial number, attachment serial numbers, color, size, and unique markings. Provide photos, if available, and explain the circumstances of the theft. It the equipment was mounted on a trailer, make sure you supply all your information on that as well.

It is important that you provide the complete PIN (e.g., JJG123456 not 123456), as the combination of numbers alone might have been used for another product line. The full model number is important, as this is the best way of verifying that a correct PIN has been provided.

Is there anything special about the equipment? Did it have a specialty attachment? Did you mark it in some way? Do you have your own identification marking system or color-coding scheme? Any additional information you provide will be helpful.

What Else?

Consider offering a reward. This can be funded and coordinated through a national hotline.

Use sources such as associations, national e-mail alert systems, and trade journals to alert local equipment owners and law enforcement about the theft. Stolen equipment most often is recovered within 65 mi. of the theft location.

Glen Sider is operations manager for National Equipment Register in New York City, NY.

Share Your Experiences and Ideas With Others

Your thoughts, ideas, or experiences might make a big difference to other readers, so we want to hear what you have to say about equipment theft and how to prevent it. You can contact us by e-mail at editor@forester.net or gsider@nerusa.com or by phone at 805-682-1300 (please note that this is a new number).

GEC - November/December 2002