SIDEBAR: Cheap Insurance

o Few police investigators know much about heavy equipment, so be ready with as many details as you can. Build a database on equipment, including serial numbers and pictures, to make tracing and recovery easier.

o Ask your equipment manufacturer to put your VIN number in a place where it’s unexpected and hard to grind out-on a piece of metal welded right to the frame, for example. And mark your equipment-boldly. Paint tractor or trailer numbers on roofs so they are visible from the air.

o Make security a company policy. Establish written security procedures for all personnel.

o Train your drivers to look for secure areas, and to inhibit thieves. Trailers parked for long periods of time should be positioned so thieves don’t have easy access to the doors-back-to-back (above). Spend time training on personal security: how to keep cool when they’re confronted with a dangerous situation.

o Set up an anonymous reporting procedure with substantial reward plans so your employees have an incentive to report possible criminal activity.