Towable equipment—such as light towers, portable toilets, and similar on-the-go assets—offers practical benefits across construction sites, event venues, and more. Yet that same mobility makes them prime targets for theft. Criminals can hook up and drive off with these valuable items in a matter of minutes, often under the radar of busy teams. Here are strategies to keep towables secure, well-monitored, and out of thieves’ reach.
Why Towables Get Stolen
- Rapid Hitch-and-Go
Thieves need little more than a compatible tow vehicle and a few spare minutes to make off with towable equipment. - High Resale Potential
Portable toilets, light towers, and similar assets command decent prices on second-hand markets, particularly when offered under suspiciously low bids. - Limited Oversight
Towables are sometimes stored in open areas with minimal supervision, especially after hours.
Effective Security Measures
- Hitch Locks and Wheel Clamps
- Fit heavy-duty hitch locks that are difficult to tamper with.
- Reinforce security with wheel clamps to prevent unauthorised movement.
- Real-Time Tracking
- Install GPS or cellular trackers that update location data round the clock.
- Set up geofence alerts to notify staff if a towable leaves its permitted zone.
- Secure Storage Areas
- Park towables in well-lit, fenced-in sections of the site, preferably within view of CCTV cameras.
- Keep entry gates locked and monitored, and restrict access to authorised personnel.
- Consistent Inventory Checks
- Establish a regular log of all towables, confirming each item’s presence at scheduled intervals.
- Encourage on-site teams to report unusual activity, such as unfamiliar vehicles circling storage areas.
- Identify and Label Assets
- Mark towables with visible company branding or distinct ID numbers.
- Engraving or adding RFID tags to less obvious parts makes it easier to confirm ownership if an item is recovered.
Recap
Towables deliver flexibility and convenience, but their portability also makes them highly desirable to thieves. Site managers can deter unauthorised removals by pairing physical barriers, such as hitch locks, with advanced tracking systems and thorough record-keeping. Small changes—like regular checks and strategic branding—also strengthen overall security. Locking down towable equipment ensures that essential resources remain where they’re needed, whenever they’re needed.
