Equipment Theft in DFW Area

[size=78%]I wanted to let you know about a recent theft, not just to ask you to be on the look-out for my equipment, but also so that you can take measures to protect yourself.[/size] [/size][size=78%]On Saturday, September 28, between midnight and 6AM, my work trailer with my striping equipment on board was stolen.[/size] [/size][size=78%] [/size] [/size][size=78%]The trailer was hooked up to my work van and was sitting on a residential street in [/size] [/size][size=78%]Lewsiville, Texas. Along with paint, stencils and an assortment of tools, the equipment that was stolen included: ·[/size] [size=78%] [/size] Graco 3900 ·[/size] [size=78%] Titan 4900 ·[/size] [size=78%] Graco line driver ·[/size] [size=78%] Northern Star 4000 psi pressure washer ·[/size] [size=78%] Trailer – 12’ double axel with green fenders & 2’ side walls [/size][size=78%]If anyone tries to sell you used equipment in the [/size] [/size][size=78%]Dallas/Fort Worth area, or if you see anyone using “new” used equipment, I’d appreciate it if you’d give me a call. Each piece of equipment has been modified and can be uniquely identified. I’m offering a sizable reward for any information that leads to the recovery of the equipment. So now, after the fact, we’re looking at security. If anyone has ideas about how to secure a trailer and equipment (aside from hitch locks), please share! I’d love to hear what other folks are doing. Thank you, Andy Mathews Sir Stripes A Lot [phone removed][/size]

Did you have signage on the outside of the trailer or the van?

Never leave it sitting on a street, always back it in the driveway and lock it to something. Get an I closed trailer so no one can see what you have in it. Get one of those crazy dogs that sees humans as a snack.

Signage is a big help in deterring and locating. Another thing in todays tec world is gps trackers with a sim. They are inexpensive and can be hidden in a trailer best with the antenna hidden in the plastic vent dome. Simply call the sim and get a location report of the trailer. Can also install in the tow vehicle with a option to disable the vehicle. Hundreds of types and brands ava and well worth the cost for the piece of mind. With the cost of equipment today it's easy to have thousands in a large trailer. Google gps tracker and you will be overwhelmed with info.

Yes, there was signage on the trailer. Unfortunately, it was easy to take off. We've looked at GPS trackers, for both the trailer and the equipment. Has anyone had good luck (or any experience) using them? What about tire boots? Thoughts?

The tracking systems all work. The boots can be a real pain. A chain and a tree are the easiest.

As the old saying goes, locks won't stop a thief they just discourage the honest folks. Show me a big lock and chain and I will show you a large bolt cutter. I like the GPS trackers. At least they create a chance you may get your equipment back. They must be well hidden or a thief may just drop it in the pope's airplane.

keep an eye on craigslist and go to the local flee markets, good chance you will see your stuff for sale.

Yep, get those serial numbers written down, and photograph all your equipment AND serial numbers. My trailer is a 'plain white wrapper'. Just looks like an older enclosed trailer. Nothin special.

Graco used to have a system for reporting stolen equipment. If you have an iPhone, you can purchase a product called a tile, it will track the wear abouts of whatever it is attached to. Good Luck, I hope you get your equipment back Rcan

There is a Graco LL2 that looks new on craigs list in Dallas

Have you used the tile product you are talking about? work well? battery life? real time ?

a friend of mine has installed an alarm on his enclosed trailer. hes pretty good with stuff like that, anything related to electricity I stay away from. anyone else got an alarm on their enclosed trailer?