Brisvegas Machinery provides its top five tips to prevent heavy equipment theft
Located in Darra, Brisbane, Brisvegas Machinery is an authorised dealer for a host of earthmoving machinery and attachment brands, including Kobelco excavators, New Holland agriculture and construction equipment, ASV posi-track loaders, LiuGong loaders, MSB hammers and KenBuilt attachments.
Having supplied earthmoving machinery since opening in 2008, the machinery dealer has seen the impact theft and vandalism can have, saying that it costs the Australian construction industry approximately $25 million each year.
The cost of being the victim of machinery theft goes beyond only the cost of what was stolen. Businesses must consider the cost of working time delays, equipment replacement costs and insurance premium increases – if they have it in the first place.
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Unoccupied job sites are targeted the most, especially ones that lack sufficient security measures like surveillance cameras and after-hours security guards.
Apart from the standard procedures – such as increasing the lighting after-hours and installing security surveillance cameras, Brisvegas has put together a list of other measures businesses can take to safeguard their construction equipment.
Document all ID numbers
Note all serial and model numbers and write down descriptions of the equipment’s condition – making note of any dents or permanent marks. This information will fast-track the process if reporting theft to the authorities.
Fit equipment with vandal covers
According to Brisvegas, theft of earthmoving and construction equipment is 44 per cent higher than theft and vandalism of private motor vehicles.
Installing vandal covers can help prevent unauthorised people from accessing or vandalising equipment, cabins and controls when the equipment is not in use.
These types of vandal-proof covers are generally padlocked into position over windows and access doors.
Satellite tracking
When small plant equipment is stolen, Brisvegas says it’s rare that the machinery will be recovered and returned. However, with a satellite GPS tracking system, machine operators can easily track and recover their equipment.
GPS tracking systems work by using the GPS satellite system to pinpoint the current location of equipment. They are easy to install and navigate via a mobile phone, Brisvegas adds.
Replace the ignition and key
Equipment manufacturers tend to use the same ignition across their entire product line, Brisvegas says, meaning all the keys are identical.
These keys can be purchased straight from eBay or Amazon with a push of a button and allow anyone access to the equipment.
To prevent thieves from doing this, you can choose to have your ignitions changed entirely with a more secure, unique ignition lock.
Fit an engine immobiliser
An immobiliser is an electronic security device fitted to a machine that prevents the engine from running unless the correct key is present. These devices inhibit thieves from hot wiring and stealing machinery.
For more ideas on safeguarding specific equipment, or information on the recommended measures above, contact Brisvegas Machinery at www.brisvegasmachinery.com.au or call (07) 3217 0630.