Forklift Theft is a Bigger Issue Than You Might Imagine
“ Hey, where’d you get that forklift?”
— “It fell off a truck”
Yes, forklifts do “fall off trucks,” or in other terms, get stolen. And while forklift theft is not headline news, over 300 forklifts are reported stolen in any given year in the US. Insurance experts say the actual number of forklifts that get lifted is likely much higher. With a value of anywhere from $15,000 to upwards of $100,000, forklifts are a tempting target for unscrupulous entrepreneurs. With their ability to lift heavy objects–like safes, vaults, and ATMs–forklifts are often a useful tool for other criminal activities. On the other hand, some unthinking employees have been caught taking a forklift out for a joyride!
So how do you prevent forklifts from wandering off your facility? There’s no 100% foolproof method, but you can take a lot of steps to minimize shrinkage of your forklift fleet. Let’s take a look at them:
- Maintain a Highly Secure Storage Area. A forklift that’s in use is generally not a forklift that gets stolen. Forklift thefts usually occur among forklifts that are being stored when not in use. Make sure your forklift storage area has video surveillance, motion detectors, high-security fencing, and locks that can’t be compromised. Steering wheels and drive wheels can also be locked with chains or boots. Test security systems regularly to be sure they are working properly.
- Keep Good Forklift Inventory Data. Maintain an accurate list of all major equipment in your facility, not only forklifts. Forklifts do have serial and VIN numbers. Create your own vehicle identification systems and stamp or engrave the number in numerous places on your forklifts–both obvious and hidden. Make sure all this data is recorded and kept up to date.
- Register Your Forklifts. The National Equipment Register (NER) works closely with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and local crime prevention departments to try to deter major equipment thefts. By registering your forklifts with the NER, you increase the chances of recovering your forklift if it is stolen. Knowing that a forklift is registered tends to deter a would-be thief from messing with your stuff.
- Report a Stolen Forklift Immediately. Inform local police, your insurance company, and the NER the moment you discover that a forklift has been stolen. Early reporting increases your chances of recovering your forklift. Only about 5% of forklifts are recovered undamaged. Experts attribute that low recovery rate to slow reporting of thefts, poor record keeping, and inaccurate police reports.
- Perform Thorough Background Checks on New Hires. Often, forklift theft involves a current or former employee–one who knows things about your facility and its security practices. Do a thorough background check not only of forklift operators but also of other workers in your facility. Thieves tend to be chronic offenders. Disgruntled former employees can also be a red flag.
- Use Security Technology. Fleet management software can help you keep track of your material-handling equipment. Also, consider a GPS monitoring system that can be installed if not included. GPS systems are difficult to disable and, once activated, can help recover your stolen vehicle. In addition, operators should have PINs or security fobs that deactivate the equipment when not in use. Biometric identification systems for forklift operators are also available.
- Create a Culture of Security as Well as Safety. Part of your forklift operators’ training should be devoted to making sure that forklifts are secured when not in use. Have defined protocols for deactivating or locking up equipment at the end of the day or shift.
At the end of the day, forklift theft can not be completely eliminated. But you can go a long way to minimizing the chances of it occurring. The pros at Apex can help you obtain the security devices, interlocks, and operator training that can protect your forklift fleet from thieves and other unscrupulous individuals. In the Chicago area, Apex is your first choice in material handling products and services.