Step 1: Confirm the Theft and Document the Scene

Before you panic, confirm that the machine hasn't been moved by an employee or subcontractor. Once theft is confirmed:

• Take photos of the scene, including broken locks, tire tracks, or surveillance cameras.

• Document the exact time and location of when it was last seen.

• Make a list of all identifying features serial number, VIN, decals, dents, modifications, attachments.

This initial documentation will be essential for law enforcement and your insurance provider.

Step 2: File a Police Report Immediately

Call the local police or sheriff’s department and file an official report. Provide all details, including:

• Make, model, and year of the skid steer

• Serial number and VIN

• Description of the trailer (if stolen with the unit)

• Any unique identifiers

• Timeframe of theft

• Surveillance footage (if available)

Ask for a copy of the police report and the case number—you’ll need this for insurance and further recovery efforts.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance agent as soon as the police report is filed. Depending on your policy:

• You may need to provide receipts, photos, or appraisals

• Claims may take several weeks to process

• Some policies only cover theft if certain security conditions are met (locked gates, immobilizers, etc.)

Having full documentation helps speed up this process.

Step 4: Alert Nearby Equipment Yards and Rental Houses

Stolen skid steers often end up in neighboring counties or sold under the table to unsuspecting buyers. Contact:

• Local equipment rental yards

• Pawn shops

• Machinery auctions

• Dealers and resellers in your area

Provide them with a "stolen equipment alert" including photos and serial numbers. Many businesses are willing to help if they know what to look for.

Step 5: Search Online Marketplaces

Many stolen machines are flipped quickly via platforms like:

• Craigslist

• Facebook Marketplace

• OfferUp

• eBay

Use specific search terms like your machine's brand and model. Even if the listing doesn’t match your exact unit, pay attention to location, seller behavior, and vague descriptions. If you find a suspicious listing, do **not** attempt to confront the seller. Instead, notify police with your findings.

Step 6: Share on Social Media and Community Boards

Leverage the power of local social media groups. Post in:

• Neighborhood watch groups

• Local contractor or landscaping forums

• Equipment theft awareness pages

• Reddit communities like r/landscaping or r/heavyEquipment

Include:

• Clear photos

• Description

• Contact info or police case number

• A reward (if offering one)

Virality works in your favor—many stolen units have been recovered after being spotted by vigilant users.

Step 7: Use GPS Tracker Data (If Available)

If your skid steer was equipped with a GPS tracker like AlerTrax, now is the time to act. With AlerTrax:

• Log into the dashboard or app

• Share the current or last known location with law enforcement

• Access movement history and timestamps

• Set alerts if the unit comes online again

Modern trackers often lead directly to recovery. Many law enforcement agencies now prioritize stolen property cases with live GPS data.

Step 8: Register with Theft Databases

Submit your equipment information to national databases used by police and auction houses:

• National Equipment Register (NER)

• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) via your police report

• Stolen 911 (free public registry)

This increases the odds your machine will be flagged if it resurfaces.

Step 9: Review and Improve Site Security

After the initial shock wears off, review what went wrong:

• Was the machine parked in an isolated area?

• Was there proper lighting, fencing, or surveillance?

• Could access have been restricted better?

For future protection, consider:

• Installing AlerTrax GPS trackers on all high-value equipment

• Using wheel or hitch locks

• Locking gates and fences at job sites

• Placing cameras with cloud backups

Step 10: Stay Persistent

Unfortunately, many stolen skid steers aren’t recovered right away. Some show up months later. Keep in regular contact with:

• Investigating officers

• Online groups

• Dealers and auction houses

Persistence pays off. Keep records organized, continue to monitor listings, and renew stolen alerts every few weeks.

Real Recovery Story

A contractor in Missouri had his skid steer stolen from a fenced job site overnight. Because the unit was equipped with an AlerTrax GPS tracker, he received an alert within minutes of unauthorized movement. He called police and shared the live location. The thief was caught in less than 3 hours at a truck stop 40 miles away.

Not only was the machine recovered undamaged, but it prevented a cascade of project delays, equipment rental costs, and insurance battles.

Conclusion

Having your skid steer stolen is a major blow—but it doesn’t have to be a total loss. Fast, methodical action dramatically increases your chance of recovery. And with tools like GPS trackers, you can even stop the theft in progress.

Remember: Every minute counts. Stay calm, get organized, and follow the steps above.

Protect your business. Protect your equipment. AlerTrax is here to help.