Construction equipment theft

Construction equipment theft has been recognized as a significant problem in the United States and elsewhere in the world, including Canada, Australia, Europe, and Japan.

Backhoes can cost $45,000 to $55,000 (this and other figures in 2010 U.S. dollars); skid steer loaders, $25,000 to $35,000; generators, $25,000 to $150,000 (for trailer mounts); forklifts, $12,000 to $50,000.

[2][4] Thefts can occur from construction sites, by thieves posing as customers of rental companies and from equipment storage areas.

[6] In the United States, the National Insurance Crime Bureau estimated that by 2007 more than $1 billion in construction equipment was stolen each year.

"When would-be thieves see that they have to load the equipment onto a trailer, which takes extra time, makes more noise and may draw attention to their actions, they decide it's not worth the trouble," Dan McAreavey, product manager for Home Depot Tool Rental for North America, told Rental Equipment Register, a business publication.

RA JCB 3CX backhoe at work. Backhoes (also called "rear actors" or "back actors") are one type of construction equipment stolen from construction sites and rental companies.