Forklifts are vital in warehouses, construction sites, and factories worldwide. They keep operations flowing and productivity high, but they’re often overlooked when preventing theft. Criminals know forklifts can be started and driven off quietly, then sold on the black market for a decent profit. This article highlights the hidden risks linked to forklifts and offers practical tips to help protect them.
Why Forklifts Are at Risk
- Underestimated Value: Many owners see forklifts as secondary compared to other heavy equipment, which makes them easier targets.
- Quick Getaway: With just a few moves, a thief can load a forklift onto a trailer or drive it away without anyone suspecting a thing.
- Limited Monitoring: Forklifts often work indoors or in controlled environments, giving a false sense of security that leads to weaker theft-prevention measures.
Strategies to Boost Forklift Security
- Access Controls and Key Management
- Issue unique keys or digital codes to authorised personnel.
- Keep a daily log of who’s using each forklift and verify it at shift changes.
- GPS Tracking and Geofencing
- Attach hidden tracking devices to monitor movement around the clock.
- Set up geofence alerts that notify managers if a forklift leaves the designated zone.
- Strong Storage Policies
- Lock up forklifts in well-lit areas or behind secure gates when they’re off duty.
- Install motion-activated cameras to watch for after-hours trespassers.
- Employee Awareness
- Provide ongoing training that reminds staff to power down and secure forklifts at the end of each shift.
- Encourage employees to report suspicious people or unusual activity near stored equipment.
- Regular Audits
- Keep updated records of forklift serial numbers, modifications, and maintenance.
- Conduct random checks to ensure all equipment is accounted for in the correct location.
Final Thoughts
Although forklift theft may not always grab headlines, it still poses a real threat to businesses of every size. Companies can prevent costly losses by tightening access controls, adding GPS capabilities, and fostering a security-minded culture among employees. Taking a proactive stance on forklift protection keeps operations running smoothly and reduces avoidable downtime.
