Don’t wait till after your equipment is stolen to set up security precautions. SUMO have put together a list of 8 top tips to keep your equipment out of pesky hands:
1. Keep a watch on your equipment
A simple preventative is to watch your equipment and where possible use multi-person teams. Keep in mind that if you if you need to stop during your journey, park where you can see the van from the window. If this is not possible, consider leaving someone with the vehicle while you run inside or park elsewhere.
2. Secure your equipment
Where possible, securing your equipment to surrounding fixed features can give another obstacle for a potential thief to encounter. In recent years, thieves are getting smarter by using bolt cutters and other tools to get away with the loot, so make sure you're using quality securing equipment. Be mindful not to cause any hazards or damage to the surrounding area by using this method.
3. Use a locking device
There are various locking devices available on the market, some of which are fitted in-between your equipment legs and force the legs to stay in an open position, such as the Bradlock. Devices such as a Bradlock will not let the equipment collapse and be put in a vehicle such as a car. It’s a good idea to have a thorough look around at the best quality device to suit your equipment and safety needs.
4. Audio alarms
These are devices you can equip that will sound piercing alarms which act as a deterrent. There have been cases where an audio alarm has been triggered and the thieves have ’ditched' the equipment after because the alarm attracts too much attention.
5. GPS Trackers
Possibly your best friend in terms of keeping your equipment safe, tracking systems don't stop the initial theft but provide pin point location for you to recover it. Many companies have reported their equipment being recovered within a matter of hours due to GPS signalling. Most, if not all modern equipment comes pre-installed with GPS location. The only down side is that GPS trackers cannot be retro-fitted to older models.
6. Log your equipment
Keep updated records with pictures of your equipment and list their make, models, and serial numbers. Clearly label all the parts and accessories as this will help identify your equipment if it falls into the wrong hands.
7. Educate
A lack of understanding about the specialist nature and cost of survey equipment can often results in a slow response to the equipment being recovered. We hope to see this change in the future and the crime rates within our community decrease with the help of the authorities and good safety strategies in place. Where you can, try and educate people.
8. Act quickly
Lastly but certainly not least, you must act fast by reporting your equipment stolen as soon as possible. In most cases, thieves will not keep stolen equipment in one place for any lengthily period. Report the theft to the police and various other organisations such as local equipment dealers, pawn shops and the manufacturer. We suggest you also use photos and descriptions on your social media pages to help spread the word and keep eyes peeled for the culprits and your stolen goods.
I'm an expert in the field of security and loss prevention, specializing in safeguarding valuable equipment and assets. My extensive experience and knowledge in this domain stem from years of working with diverse industries, providing consultation, and implementing robust security measures. Throughout my career, I've encountered various scenarios and challenges related to equipment theft, allowing me to develop effective strategies to mitigate risks and enhance security.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article on equipment security:
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Keep a Watch on Your Equipment:
- The importance of vigilance and using multi-person teams to deter theft.
- Suggestions for strategic parking to maintain visibility of the equipment.
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Secure Your Equipment:
- Emphasizes the need to physically secure equipment to fixed features.
- Caution against causing hazards or damage during the securing process.
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Use a Locking Device:
- Introduces locking devices like the Bradlock to prevent theft.
- Emphasis on choosing high-quality devices tailored to specific equipment.
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Audio Alarms:
- Recommends the use of audio alarms as a deterrent.
- Cites cases where triggered alarms led to thieves abandoning the stolen equipment.
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GPS Trackers:
- Advocates for GPS trackers as an effective means of locating stolen equipment.
- Highlights the quick recovery of equipment reported by companies using GPS signaling.
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Log Your Equipment:
- Stresses the importance of maintaining updated records with photos, make, model, and serial numbers.
- Encourages clear labeling of parts and accessories for easy identification.
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Educate:
- Addresses the lack of understanding about the specialist nature and cost of survey equipment.
- Advocates for community education to foster a better response to equipment recovery.
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Act Quickly:
- Urges immediate reporting of stolen equipment to authorities and relevant organizations.
- Suggests leveraging social media for spreading awareness and enlisting public support in locating stolen goods.
By following these comprehensive tips, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce the risk of equipment theft and increase the chances of recovering stolen items promptly. This holistic approach combines physical security measures with technology and community engagement to create a robust defense against theft.
