Facts about Industrial Machinery Theft
- 07
Smart locks on machinery gates increased theft prevention effectiveness by 60 percent when combined with remote monitoring systems, according to 2022 industrial security audits.
- 06
Hydraulic fluid theft from industrial machinery costs manufacturers approximately $500 million annually across North America, as thieves target the expensive synthetic oils used in construction and mining equipment.
- 05
In 2019, the FBI reported that organized theft rings targeting industrial machinery in the Midwest operated across eight states, stealing equipment valued at $47 million in a single coordinated network.
- 04
The average resale value of stolen industrial machinery ranges from 20 to 40 percent of original equipment cost, making older models particularly vulnerable to organized theft rings.
- 03
GPS tracking systems installed on heavy equipment reduced machinery theft by 45 percent at construction sites between 2018 and 2023, according to the National Equipment Register.
- 02
Copper wiring theft from industrial machinery costs U.S. manufacturers over $1 million daily due to scrap metal value fluctuations and easy resale through recycling centers.
- 01
Between 2015 and 2020, construction equipment theft cost U.S. businesses approximately $1 billion annually, with industrial machinery theft representing the fastest-growing category.