On March 12, 2008, the LoJack Corporation released the results of its annual Construction Equipment Theft Study. The reports indicated that construction equipment theft is still a growing problem throughout the industry. Here is a summary from the report . . .

For 2007, LoJack’s report breaks down construction equipment theft into various categories:

Professional Theft Rings Continue to Plague the Industry

• In 2007 police discovered eight theft rings and chop shops with the LoJack system.
• These discoveries led police to find an addition $2.5 million in stolen assets that were not tracked with LoJack equipment.

Popular Equipment Make Popular Theft Targets

Newer equipment types are more popular theft targets because of higher resale value.

• Skid Steers
• Backhoe Loaders/Skip Loaders/Wheel Loaders/Track Loaders . . .

States with the Highest Theft Rates

• California
• Florida . . .

Construction Theft is a Local Issue

In 97% of cases, the stolen equipment was recovered in the same state that it was reported in . . .

LoJack’s Guide to Theft Protection

• Keep Good Records
• Focus on Physical Site Security
• Use Theft Deterrents and Proven Recovery Systems

About the Study

The 2007 LoJack Construction Equipment Theft Report is based on state theft statistics and equipment recoveries documented by LoJack in 26 states from January to December 2007 . . .
Please see the complete reports results at LoJack Annual Theft Study.

NAHETS would like to express thanks to the LoJack Corporation for its services in preventing and recovering heavy equipment theft. In addition to working with construction equipment, LoJack also specializes in securing automobiles, motorcycles, laptops, cargo, and more.

Please also visit the LoJack Theft Page.

Sources:

LoJack Corporation. (March 2008). “Local Annual Theft Study Reveals Construction Equipment Theft Continues to Plague Equipment Owners in 2007.” Retrieved March 25, 2008 from http://www.forconstructionpros.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=4&id=9670&pageNum=1.

Help is on the way for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, but not in its usual form. This time “help” is the “JCB High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE),” a.k.a. the “world’s fastest backhoe loader.” I like to think of it as the “Batmobile of Heavy Equipment.” Its speed, mobility, and design will improve the capabilities of field commanders in front patrols. See batmobile of heavy equipment for the original article. See website directly below for video and other multi-media HMEE resources.

A few highlights of the article:

Specs

• The HMEE travels up to 60 mph on paved roads and cross country surfaces
• Full suspension and ABS brakes
• Computer diagnostics
• Run-flat tires and roll-over protection
• 17.55 tons with armor and 15.75 tons without armor
• 6.7-liter diesel
• Lifts 2.2 tons, digs 13 ft deep

Purpose

• Provide battlefield commanders more capabilities in front patrols
• Increase Mobility and counter-mobility
• Provide water and supplies, build burms, lay electrical lines, etc.

JCB Construction Equipment is the creator of the HMEE. It was 4 years in the making and built specifically for the U.S. Military. JCB is the world’s largest privately owned construction business.

Here is a brief video about some other JCB military equipment.

Sources

http://www.acppubs.com/article/CA6518489.html?rssid=112

http://www.jcb.com/hmee/