Written by Kimberly Jewell, Snow Management Services, LLC

In 2023, I wrote about the growing challenges of protecting snow removal equipment during the winter season. It appears that there has been an uptick in theft activity, affecting equipment used across both the landscaping and snow management industries. Whether it’s skid steers staged for snow events or trailers loaded with landscaping tools, thieves target anything they can get their hands on, leaving businesses reeling from financial and operational losses.

This article updates that initial discussion to reflect the worsening crisis, highlighting the tactics thieves are using, the challenges law enforcement faces, and the steps businesses take to protect their livelihoods.

Theft on the Rise: An Industry-Wide Crisis

The theft of equipment isn’t just a snow management issue—it impacts every facet of the landscaping industry as well. Reports from across Colorado reveal that thieves are targeting trucks, trailers, skid steers, power tools, and other high-value equipment regardless of the season.

“In the last three years, theft from our job sites has become relentless,” said Chris Gallagher of Native Edge Landscapes. “We’ve had tool lockboxes broken into, dingo’s stolen from alleyways, and even equipment taken from gated backyards. It’s happening everywhere.”

Zak George, CLT, echoed this concern: “We’ve seen massive amounts of theft. Last year alone, thieves cut through our fence eight to ten times, stealing gasoline, irrigation parts, tools, and even our recycled metal pile. In one incident, they spent hours hauling stolen goods to their cars.” Despite upgrading to advanced cameras with AI that notify authorities, Zak explained, “It feels non-stop. The police are overwhelmed and often unable to help.”

For snow management companies, theft has added challenges due to the necessity of staging equipment on client properties for quick responses during storms. Ben Fisk, owner of Fisk Lawnscapes in Colorado Springs, shared, “Over the last three weeks, we’ve had two 10-foot Boss Snow Pushers and a full-size 2021 Bobcat Skid Steer stolen from two different snow sites. We’ve never faced theft on this level before.”

Landscaping companies, meanwhile, are equally vulnerable when leaving equipment at job sites or in yards. “We’ve replaced locks, reinforced trailers, and even placed skid steers in front of trailer doors to block access,” said one ALCC member. “But the thieves keep finding ways to break in.”

No Equipment Is Safe

Whether it’s a snow pusher or a trencher, thieves target all types of equipment, from large machines to small hand tools. Power tools like demo saws, jumping jacks, and chainsaws are stolen frequently, while larger equipment like skid steers, mini loaders, and trailers have also become prime targets.

“We’ve had several mini skids stolen over the years,” said one contractor. “Even with reinforced locks, thieves cut the doors off trailers or bypass security entirely. It feels like they’re adapting faster than we can respond.”

Sophisticated Tactics and Organized Rings

Thieves have become more organized and methodical, using tactics that make recovery increasingly difficult. Reports from ALCC members highlight:

• Surveillance Tactics: Thieves use drones to scout properties and identify vulnerable equipment.
• Insider Knowledge: Many believe insider information is being used, as thieves often know exactly where to find high-value items and how to bypass security systems.
• Advanced Tools: Cutting locks, removing trailer doors, and disabling GPS systems are becoming common practices.

Zak George added another concerning trend: “In one instance, a thief with gas cans was caught on camera stealing fuel from our property. One of our employees followed the thief while calling the police. They gave him a DUI but did nothing about the stolen gas.”

Challenges for Law Enforcement

Recovering stolen equipment remains an uphill battle due to several challenges law enforcement faces:

1. Third-Party Purchases: Stolen items are often sold to unsuspecting buyers who don’t know the equipment’s origin. This creates a legal gray area, making arrests and convictions difficult.
2. Resource Limitations: With police stretched thin, equipment theft is often deprioritized in favor of higher-profile cases.
3. Jurisdictional Issues: When stolen equipment crosses state lines, recovery becomes even more complicated, as local authorities may lack the resources or willingness to pursue the case.

Ben Fisk described his frustration when filing reports: “Even when you have the serial numbers, video footage, and GPS data, it feels like theft is a low priority. There’s little follow-up, and no arrests are ever made. It’s a huge challenge.”

Defensive Strategies: Protecting Your Investments

Given the scale of the problem, businesses are taking extensive measures to protect their equipment:

• Enhanced Tracking: Hidden GPS trackers are used alongside standard systems to improve recovery chances. “We’ve recovered three skid steers and a truck thanks to hidden trackers, but it took persistence with the police,” said one contractor.
• AI-Powered Security Systems: Advanced cameras with AI can automatically alert law enforcement when suspicious activity is detected.
• Physical Barriers: Reinforced locks, wheel locks, and fences have helped to deter quick thefts. Some companies are parking larger equipment in front of trailers to block access.
• Employee Screening: Suspected insider involvement has led many businesses to increase monitoring and vetting of employees.

The Financial and Emotional Toll

The financial losses from theft are staggering, with many businesses reporting hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen equipment. But the emotional toll is just as severe.

“It feels like thieves are following us, waiting for the right opportunity,” said one ALCC member. “Even with reinforced locks, cameras, and regular checks, they find ways to break in. It’s exhausting.”

Another contractor described their frustration after recovering a stolen trailer. “The police recovered it, but no report was filed. When I called, they said anyone could pick it up—it’s just sitting there. It’s maddening.”

A Call to Action: Industry-Wide Collaboration

This epidemic of theft affects everyone in the landscaping and snow management industries. To address it, we need to work together:

• Advocate for stricter penalties and better enforcement to deter organized theft rings.
• Collaborate with local governments to improve theft reporting and recovery systems.
• Share best practices and real-time theft data across the industry.

By pooling resources and knowledge, we can take proactive steps to protect our investments and reduce the impact of these crimes.

About the Author

This article updates my earlier work on theft in the snow management industry. As someone who has worked directly in planning and equipment management, I’ve seen the effects of this crisis firsthand. I want to thank the ALCC members and colleagues, including Zak George and Ben Fisk, who shared their experiences and strategies for this piece. Together, we can build a stronger, secure future for our industry.