Site theft: how can you protect and locate your tools?

What to do about tool theft on the job site

One by one, David counts his tools in a metal box. Over the past few years, this worker has frequently observed tools disappearing. "In the evening, we clean our tools and generally try to get them back, but sometimes we leave them, hoping they'll still be there the next day. Sometimes they're not," he comments.
Drills, saws, screwdrivers... Thefts from construction sites are very en numerous. In 2018, the federal police drew up 4,252 official reports for equipment theft, representing a loss of 80 million for Belgian contractors.
To remedy this problem, a company is offering software and sensors to locate objects. "The sensor is positioned on or in the tool to be protected. The sensor uses two communication technologies. The first is BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to communicate with a smartphone or router. The second is Sigfox, where machines communicate with each other via antennas. When the sensor is placed on the tool, it can be located in the event of theft thanks to an integrated GPS. If a worker uses an object, this is automatically reported in the HeronTrack application that can be installed on his smartphone", explains Sebastien De Grauwe, Managing Director of HeronTrack.

Keep a constant eye on your stock

The sensors don't consume much energy, as they have self-contained batteries that last for 4 to 5 years. And the price? A sensor costs between 10 and 40 euros, depending on the size of the object. "In addition to location, the software is also used to manage costs and worker safety. Theft is an important aspect because we equip very expensive tools, but thanks to the application, we have a permanent view of our inventory, so there's no need to do this manually. This minimizes costs, as you won't buy the same tool twice, for example. The app also notifies workers if tools are in order for inspection, which ensures greater safety on the worksite", concludes Sebastien De Grauwe.
RTBF article written by A.Gonzalez, read and listen to the full report on the RTBF page:
https://www.rtbf.be/info/dossier/ec-charleroi/detail_charleroi-un-logiciel-pour-localiser-les-outils-de-chantier-voles?id=10363796

Site theft: how can you protect and locate your tools?

Theft from building sites represents a financial loss and a risk of delays for construction companies. Every year, thousands of tools go missing, often impossible to replace quickly. Fortunately, there are good practices and traceability solutions like HeronTrack to limit this scourge.

Preventing tool theft on site

First and foremost, it is essential to secure the site and the equipment:

• Fence off and control access to the site to limit intrusions.
• Store and lock tools in a secure container at the end of the day.
• Keep equipment out of sight to reduce temptation.
• Mark or engrave tools to make them identifiable.
• Train teams to lock up vehicles and check sensitive areas.

These simple gestures greatly reduce the risk, but are not always enough when faced with organized thieves.

Locate your equipment with HeronTrack

The best protection is knowing where your tools are at all times. With HeronTrack, you can :

• Track your equipment in real time using appropriate IoT sensors (small tools, machines, trailers).
• Receive automatic alerts in the event of suspicious movement or leaving the site perimeter.
• Find a stolen tool quickly and increase your chances of recovery.
• Manage your inventory easily and avoid losses due to oversight or poor organization.

Small equipment can be secured with greater autonomy

Extension on the solution with our sensor connected to the machine to recharge itself. No need to replace the battery. And even smaller to secure even smaller tools. The 2-line tracker is easy to install in your equipment, allowing you to track your lost tool at any time via GPS. Simply by activating the anti-theft mode, the GPS is activated and the tracker sends a position report every 10 minutes. Once the tool is found, you deactivate the theft mode and the tracker goes into standby mode to save battery power.

👉 Discover our solutions for locating your tools.

What to do in the event of site theft

If a theft occurs despite your precautions, it is important to act quickly:

1. List stolen equipment (serial numbers, photos, HeronTrack data).
2. File a police report with all the information gathered.
3. Notify your insurance company within 24-48 hours with the report.
4. Increased site security to prevent further intrusions.

Thanks to the precise data provided by HeronTrack, you have solid evidence to facilitate investigation and insurance reimbursement.

In brief

• Theft of tools on construction sites is a recurring problem that costs companies dearly.
• Adopt good safety practices (fencing, storage, marking, team awareness).
• Use HeronTrack to locate your equipment and react immediately in the event of theft.
• In the event of an incident, contact the police and your insurer with all the necessary evidence.

With a combination of prevention and technology, you protect your investments, ensure the continuity of your worksites and gain peace of mind.

‍

If you'd like to give it a try or would like more information, contact us!