Construction Site Theft: Most Stolen Equipment

Construction site theft is a persistent problem at apartment, office, industrial, and other commercial real estate properties across the U.S. and Canada. Open sites with only a fence that can easily be climbed or broken make valuable materials and mobile equipment vulnerable to determined thieves.

Two key factors influence the type of equipment that thieves are most likely to steal: value and mobility. Construction equipment is expensive and specialized. To resell a stolen excavator can be profitable but not practical as it is difficult to move.

Another construction site theft factor is the volume of equipment in circulation. Skid steer loaders account for more than 30% of new construction equipment sold in the United States in the last five years. High demand can equate to greater theft potential.

Construction Site Theft Top 10 by Equipment

The most recent report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the National Equipment Register ranks the top 10 most stolen pieces of equipment:

• Mower, riding or garden tractor - 43%
• Tractor -12%
• Loaders (Skid Steers/Back hoes/Wheel loaders) 17%
• Excavator – 3%
• Fork Lift – 2%
• Generator, compressor & welder -2%
• Bulldozer - 1%
• Light Tower – 0.5%
• Brush Chipper – 0.5%
• Others – 17%

While bulldozers are a more valuable piece of construction equipment, they account for only 1% of all construction site thefts. Mowers, backhoes and skid steers are commonly stolen items due to ease of mobility and multi-functional uses.

Construction Site Theft Top 10 by Manufacturer

The same annual report lists the manufacturers with the highest amount of equipment theft and the number of pieces stolen:

• John Deere 2,450
• Kubota Tractor Corp. 1,094
• Bobcat 726
• Caterpillar 708
• Toro 335
• Husqvarna 331
• Exmark 323
• Case 275
• Cub Cadet Corp. 256
• Craftsman 255

These manufacturers make the most mobile equipment and account for the highest number of construction equipment thefts.

contact us today for more information to protect your outdoor assets. Visit the Stealth website to see real arrest videos at construction sites, multifamily apartments, shopping centers, office buildings, warehouses, auto dealerships, and other commercial real estate properties.