Every year, contractors, landscapers, and business owners lose billions of dollars to equipment theft. While thieves will take almost anything they can resell quickly, certain tools and machinery are especially attractive. Understanding what’s most at risk—and how to protect it—can save you thousands in losses, downtime, and headaches.

Here are the 10 most commonly stolen pieces of equipment and the best ways to keep them safe.

1. Trailers

Why they’re a target: A trailer is the ultimate “getaway vehicle” for stolen goods. Thieves can hitch up and drive away in minutes.

How to protect it :

• Invest in a GPS tracker hidden inside the trailer.
• Use heavy-duty hitch locks and wheel boots.
• Park in well-lit, secure areas whenever possible.

2. Skid Steers

Why they’re a target: Compact and versatile, skid steers are easy to load onto flatbeds and have high resale value.

How to protect it :

• Mark the equipment with your company’s name or logo.
• Store in fenced areas with surveillance.
• Add GPS tracking for instant alerts if it moves unexpectedly.

3. Excavators & Mini Excavators

Why they’re a target: Demand for construction equipment makes excavators a hot item on the black market.

How to protect it :

• Remove or disable batteries overnight.
• Use immobilizers or kill switches.
• Deploy GPS tracking for quick recovery.

4. Lawn Mowers (Commercial-Grade)

Why they’re a target: Zero-turn and riding mowers are lightweight compared to their resale value.

How to protect it :

• Lock them inside secured trailers or garages.
• Engrave identification numbers onto frames.
• Add small GPS trackers that fit inside panels.

5. Generators

Why they’re a target: Portable, expensive, and easy to resell—generators are stolen daily.

How to protect it:

• Chain generators to immovable objects.
• Store indoors after work hours.
• Track them with compact GPS devices.

6. Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs & ATVs)

Why they’re a target: Easy to ride, quick to sell, and often left in fields or barns.

How to protect it :

• Use steering locks or chains.
• Store inside locked facilities.
• Install GPS units to monitor 24/7.

7. Power Tools (Drills, Saws, Nail Guns)

Why they’re a target: Quick cash for thieves, especially when stolen in bulk from trailers.

How to protect it :

• Keep tools in locked chests within locked trailers.
• Engrave or barcode inventory.
• Consider RFID tags for frequent-use tools.

8. Bobcats & Small Loaders

Why they’re a target: Similar to skid steers, they’re easy to transport and in high demand.

How to protect it :

• Fence and light all storage areas.
• Secure with wheel locks or immobilizers.
• Add GPS for theft recovery.

9. Copper & Building Materials

Why they’re a target: Thieves can flip copper wire, lumber, and roofing materials for quick money.

How to protect it :

• Store in locked containers.
• Only deliver materials right before they’re needed.
• Place cameras and alarms in material storage zones.

10. Work Trucks & Vans

Why they’re a target: A work truck often comes with thousands of dollars in tools inside.

How to protect it:

• Install GPS vehicle tracking.
• Use steering wheel locks and alarm systems.
• Never leave keys inside vehicles at jobsites.

Final Thoughts: Locks Aren’t Enough

While physical locks and fences slow down thieves, they’re not foolproof. The fastest-growing and most reliable protection strategy is GPS tracking. Unlike locks, GPS doesn’t just try to prevent theft—it ensures you can recover your stolen assets in hours, not weeks (or never).

Your crew depends on these tools. Your customers depend on your jobs getting done. Don’t leave your livelihood vulnerable.