Preventing Jobsite Theft
In today’s tough economic climate, the last situation a construction company wants to face is loss due to jobsite theft. Luckily, there are technologies available to construction firms that can help minimize equipment loss as a result of theft, which can provide peace of mind and keep a business running.
A new partnership between EasyTracGPS, www.easytracgps.com, Stickney, Ill., and DeWalt, www.dewalt.com, Baltimore, Md., aims to fight back against theft of construction equipment and other property from jobsites. EasyTracGPS, which provides GPS and fleet-tracking solutions for both businesses and consumers, says it will add DeWalt’s MobileLock to its product line.
MobileLock uses GPS technology to track equipment, therefore deterring theft and maximizing the potential for recovery if stolen. The device was designed for use in construction, including heavy equipment and other jobsite assets. MobileLock features built-in sensors that can detect vibration, temperature, and tampering. The device also features alarm sirens, and can trigger notifications sent to an owner or operator’s mobile device. The companies say the unit can even track inside trailers and buildings.
According to Luis Vera, president, EasyTracGPS, incidents of jobsite and equipment theft in the construction industry happen on a daily basis. “Most contractors or construction companies need to leave expensive equipment on the jobsite overnight, completely unattended,” Versa says. “In addition to their equipment being at risk, thieves are also targeting materials such as copper and wiring and other valuable items.”
MobileLock can be used wirelessly or hardwired (powered by a construction vehicle), whichever is most convenient to the company. EasyTracGPS says the partnership with DeWalt is a result of an “overwhelming demand” from construction and heavy-equipment customers looking to equip their assets with technology capable of tracking and raising an alarm.
Because construction-site theft is such a widespread issue, and because construction firms have smaller margins for downtime and loss due to theft in today’s economy, adopting a technology solution that can take preventative measures is a smart move.