Bobcat Company is spotlighting National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month by raising awareness of the increasing issue of equipment theft in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) observes National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month in July to call attention to vehicle theft and encourages owners and operators to take preventive steps to try to keep their vehicles and equipment safe.
In April, the American Rental Association reported that equipment theft is a $100 million-a-year crisis for the equipment rental industry alone. In 2024, Neuroject reported that heavy equipment theft costs the North American construction industry between $300 million and $1 billion annually. This represents one of the most significant financial burdens for construction companies according to Bobcat.
“The frequency of equipment theft has created new challenges on the jobsite,” said Garrett Maurer, director of digital product management at Bobcat. “The good news is that operators and construction business owners can do something about it. With Bobcat Machine IQ and similar telematics software, operators can track their machines’ current location and history, enact geofencing with custom parameters and establish machine curfews. These are great ways to reduce instances of equipment theft and be in the know about your machines anytime, anywhere.”
The Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature in Machine IQ allows operators to address suspected unauthorized use by remotely turning the engine off or on through the Bobcat Owner Portal or Machine IQ mobile app — enhancing control and security from anywhere at any time.
There are a variety of factors that can impact the likelihood of equipment theft, such as worksite location or lack of adequate surveillance. Enhancing security measures and improving asset tracking may help deter potential thieves.
Here are some steps to take if theft is suspected of owned or rented equipment using Machine IQ:
- Log into the Bobcat Owner Portal to confirm your machine’s location with GPS tracking.
- If unauthorized use is present, use Remote Engine Disable/Enable to prevent further operation and potential damage to your equipment.
- File a report with local authorities and provide applicable equipment details and GPS information.
- Notify your local dealership partner about the theft and police report. Request their assistance with documentation if needed.
- Follow standard protocols with theft claims and provide proof from your dealership if needed.
Emerging technologies are helping construction businesses improve machine security and protect assets — a timely focus during National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.
