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Incidents:
– Construction equipment is targeted by thieves due to poor security, easy disguise, and high cost.
– Some equipment can cost up to $150,000.
– Backhoes range from $45,000 to $55,000.
– Skid steer loaders cost $25,000 to $35,000.
– Forklifts are priced between $12,000 to $50,000.

Scope of problem:
– Over 450 stolen construction equipment items were reported in Japan in 2008.
– In the U.S., over $1 billion worth of equipment is stolen annually.
– In the UK, trailers (911 thefts) and excavators (849) were commonly stolen in 2008.
– Theft increases were seen in agricultural tractors (149%), quad bikes (83%), forklift trucks (67%), and portable generators (55%).
– Organized criminals find construction theft very lucrative.

Anti-theft measures:
– Home Depot reduced theft by not leaving equipment in trailers and using tire locks.
– The UK has programs like CESAR and The National Plant & Equipment Register for equipment registration.
– CESAR registered plant is up to six times more likely to be recovered than non-registered items.
– Rental businesses in the UK are advised to establish credit with customers or use credit/debit cards for payment.
– Thieves in the UK rented equipment for fake sites and disappeared with the delivered equipment.

See also:
– Theft
– Motor vehicle theft

References:
– Alberta Report (1999); Berg and Hinze (2005); Lambertson (2005)
– Construction equipment theft is a low-risk gamble according to The Journal of Commerce.
– An insurance company warns renters to be more vigilant in International Rental News.
– Police caught suspects accused of removing an ATM machine according to WFAA TV.
– UAE-based companies are taking steps to curb rising rates of construction equipment theft.