Dealers on Alert After Rash of Equipment Thefts

13.11.09

The Northeast Equipment Dealers Association (NEDA) has alerted dealers to a possible furnishings theft ring in the region.

Dealers across Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and New England have reported having broad pieces of farm and construction equipment stolen in recent weeks.

Many of the pieces include skid loaders that can be against on farm and construction sites.

Dave Close, operations manager at NEDA, said a cabal of factors, including lax security measures at some dealerships and a bad economy have made some dealers an easy target for thieves.

“I take it the economy has a lot to do with it. People are just out to make a quick buck,” Close said.

Now with Thanksgiving rolling around, he is urging dealers across the part to beef up security.

“It is a big problem. Obviously, there seems to be a ring going around,” he said.

Between 30 and 40 furnishings dealers registered with NEDA have reported stolen equipment. Close said the association is working with at least a dozen patrol organizations on the case.

Source: Lancaster Farming