ARA Launches Theft Prevention Push as Equipment Disappearances Continue
Equipment theft is only growing. Here’s a stark figure: Theft is draining something like $100 million annually from the rental industry. That’s over 360 pieces of gear vanishing every month, according to the American Rental Association‘s (ARA’s) recent report. And most of it? Never seen again. For rental operators and rental houses, the cost isn’t just the machine. It’s lost time. It’s higher insurance premiums. It’s jobsite downtime and rental downtime. Now, ARA is responding, announcing a big focus on theft prevention moving forward. From the press release:
“Equipment theft is an issue that affects every single one of our equipment rental members, no matter the size of their operation,” says ARA CEO Tony Conant. “We wanted to attack it from every angle with the Equipment Rental Guard program. When used to its fullest potential, our members will be totally prepared to prevent thieves from stealing their equipment.”
Meet Equipment Rental Guard
In April, ARA unveiled its new security suite — Equipment Rental Guard (ERG). It’s a multi-layered initiative built to combat equipment theft before, during and after it strikes. The program was recently announced at a press conference held at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers’ location in Morris, Illinois (see the photos). ERG includes:
- A national stolen equipment and renter alert database
- ID verification and background check tools
- Red flag alerts for suspicious rental activity
- Training for employees on theft detection and prevention
- Free legal guidance for responding to theft
- Theft reporting best practices
It’s part education. Part prevention. Part recovery. And it’s free for ARA members. From the press release:
“I think it’s incredibly important for all of us to band together [to prevent equipment theft],” says David Skala, manager, B.I. Rental, Homer Glen, Ill. “This problem is so huge that unless every individual who is involved takes action, there’s not going to be any movement forward. I think all the tools that ARA is introducing are absolutely fantastic, and I’m looking forward to implementing them in our store.”
Who Is ARA?
The American Rental Association is the largest trade group representing the equipment and event rental industry. Founded in 1955, the association supports more than 14,000 rental businesses and 1,000 manufacturers worldwide. ARA is a resource hub, networking engine and industry advocate. And now it’s sharpening its focus on theft prevention.
How to Protect Your Fleet
1. Lock It Down
Install perimeter fencing, motion lights and lockable gates at storage sites. At the jobsite, park equipment in a circle with smaller gear inside.
2. Track Everything
Use GPS devices, engine immobilizers, ignition locks and tracking software. If it’s not traceable, it’s gone.
3. Standardize Documentation
Keep updated records for every machine: serial numbers, photos, unique markings, paint mods and registration in national databases like NER (National Equipment Register).
4. Train Your Team
Operators should log equipment use daily. Staff should know how to spot suspicious behavior. Site managers must enforce security protocols.
5. Know Your Renters
Always verify ID. Flag suspicious behavior like last-minute rentals, requests for high-theft machines or lack of insurance. Use ARA’s red flag tools to spot known offenders.
Don’t Wait for It to Happen
Thieves count on complacency. Don’t let them find a soft target. ARA’s Equipment Rental Guard gives the industry tools to push back. But the best protection starts with awareness, action and a zero-tolerance approach to vulnerability. For more resources and to enroll in ERG, visit equipmentrentalguard.org.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
