NER® wishes all of our clients and Law Enforcement partners a happy and safe winter holiday season.

We also wish everyone a crime free holiday. The reality is that thieves undoubtedly will be active over the holiday, as recent reports to NER indicate increased theft activity for 2019.
Equipment theft rates mirror the overall economy; 2019 appears to follow this trend with increased equipment theft activity in many major metro areas that are also seeing increased building and road projects. The used equipment market is strong this year, and thefts follow the same pattern. Demand for backhoes in Texas and compact tracked loaders in southeastern states translates to active thefts of these machines in areas like Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Atlanta and Nashville.

The theft of new equipment from dealer yards continues to be a problem, as it is annually. Dealers in all areas should be aware of the heightened threat of thefts especially of utility vehicles, compact tractors and commercial mowers.

Equipment rental fraud was a major issue in 2019. Despite several large busts, rental operators need to be vigilant again in 2020 as indicated by frauds in Michigan and Georgia.

With the threat of equipment theft, try to do something proactive to prevent this crime from occurring. Small steps and minor attention to details may be all it takes to deter an opportunistic thief that is targeting your area. Below are a few fundamentals for both law enforcement and equipment owners.

If you are the victim of a theft or receive a theft report, please report it to NER online, or email NER at info@ner.net with as little as the machine make, model and serial number plus the date and location of theft, and we’ll enter it for you. Want an NER alert on the theft? Let us know when we follow up.