According to data, home theft happens every 26 seconds, and the average cost of stolen goods is about $2,799. While it is easier to steal smaller appliances and devices, it is not impossible for thieves to get your portable generators as well. Thus, it is necessary to learn some stolen generator theft prevention tips.
Types Of Generators That Can Easily Be Stolen
There are different types of generators, and they vary in dimensions and power output. There are standby generators, portable generators, and inverter generators. Portable generators and inverters, because they are smaller and designed for convenience, they are easier to be stolen. Since standby generators are bigger, they are difficult to move.
Best Heavy-Duty Locks To Prevent Portable Generator Theft
Stolen Generator: 7 Theft Prevention Tips
Portable generators are important because they allow you to operate your appliances and electronics during emergencies and power outages. Thus, you must safeguard your generator from thieves. Here are simple stolen generator theft prevention tips:
Secure storage
One of the simple stolen generator theft prevention tips is storing your new generator in a safe and secure place. Do not leave your new generator outside or in a trailer when it first arrives. Put it in a safe place and secure the place immediately. If you leave it outside, it will make stealing a lot easier and more tempting.
Place ample lighting
Most thieves are smart, and they don’t want to put themselves at risk. Thus, if there is enough lighting on the premises where the generator is placed, they will reconsider their plans to steal it. It is amazing how lights can reduce the threat of your generator getting stolen.
Add a fence to the perimeter.
Adding a fence to secure your generator is one of the most important stolen generator theft prevention tips. You need to place your generator outdoor for safety reasons. To minimize theft, adding a fence to your outdoor generator is recommended. It will cost you more, but at least it helps you secure a more valuable item.
Use a storage box
Using a storage box is one of the effective stolen generator theft prevention tips you should follow. There are storage boxes that are designed specifically for portable generators. These storage boxes are durable and secure. They are well-designed and give protection against other threats, such as generator damage and vandalism.
Install alarm systems
Added to this list of stolen generator theft prevention tips is alarm system installation. Installing an alarm system is indeed a good investment if you want to keep your generator safe from theft. You can install a simple CCTV system or a full-scale alarm system. Installation of an alarm system can be expensive, so consider using a cheaper yet more effective alarm system for your generator.
Block possible access
There are several ways to secure your generator. But, the simplest thing you can do is block other people’s access to the generator. Generators, especially large ones, can only be stolen with a vehicle. You can block access by adding other fixtures or heavy machinery near the generator shed. Just make sure there is still enough space for the air to flow properly.
Remove the wheels
Smaller generators, like the portable type, have wheels because they are designed for easy movement. Getting rid of the wheels of your generator may sound very simple, but it is very effective. After you remove the wheels, place a wooden block in the generator for added security.
Additional Tip
Aside from the above-mentioned stolen generator theft prevention tips, here is another tip for you – you need to protect your fuel too. Make sure you store your fuel in a cool, dry, and secure place.
What To Do If The Generator Gets Stolen?
Aside from knowing the stolen generator theft prevention tips, you need also to know what to do if the generator gets stolen. Here are the things you should do:
- The first thing you need to do is to call the police and file a report on the theft. A police report is needed if you want to file your insurance claim. Just make sure you have the important details, like the model and serial numbers.
- After you call the police, do not touch anything in the area. You need to wait for the police to examine the area and gather evidence if the site has not been disturbed.
- If you have installed a home security system that captured the area where the generator was, review and save any video for evidence. You will need the time of the incident and the police will use any video for the case. Given how useful a home security system is, you should install one for your outside generator.
- Lastly, contact your insurance agency so you can begin processing a claim for the generator that has been stolen. The agency will need proof of the generator’s value, so just show them the receipt.
FAQ
How do I protect my portable generator?
Some stolen generator theft prevention tips include the following: install security alarms, add a fence, use a secure storage box, add locks on your generator shed, and provide ample lighting to your space. If your generator got stolen, call the police immediately.
Can someone steal my generator?
Yes, especially if you have a portable generator. Small generators are easy targets for thieves. Portable generators are designed for easy movement. Thieves can pick up the generator and roll it to an escape vehicle easily. Standy or home generators are usually larger, so thieves will have a hard time stealing them.
How to keep the generator from getting stolen while camping?
Most campgrounds are secure. Generally, campers respect each other’s property. However, there are still possibilities for your generator to be stolen. Portable generators are easy to remove, so thieves can just grab and go.
To protect your generator while camping, secure it with a chain or cable. You can connect the chain or cable to a tree or pound it in the ground. Adding an alarm system is also an option.
How to protect my whole house generator?
Permanent home generators are usually larger compared to portable generators. They are usually attached to a concrete pad, which makes it harder for thieves.
While it is challenging for thieves to remove your standby generator, you can disguise the location of your generator by adding shrubs or small evergreens. You can also secure the generator by putting it in a secure generator shed or enclosure. Add a sturdy lock to further secure the shed.
Do generators have GPS?
Generators don’t have a built-in GPS tracker, but you can also add a tracker to your generator. GPS trackers may cost you a couple of hundred dollars more, but it is very helpful in so many ways.
Some benefits of installing a GPS tracker include the following:
Most GPS trackers for generators are equipped with geofence technology, which provides alerts if the generator is moved outside the predefined area.
The GPS tracker or generator tracker can also monitor the total hours of operation.
In case the generator fails, the generator tracker can send fault reports.
Should the generator be covered?
The simple answer is yes. You can’t just leave your generator outside uncovered. No matter how small or big your generator is, you need to place it in a generator shed or enclosure. The generator enclosure will protect the generator from rain and extreme weather. Aside from this, generator enclosure also minimizes the risk of generator theft.
Where should I put my generator to keep it safe from theft?
To minimize theft, you should secure your generator in a reliable generator enclosure. You can also install an alarm system in your generator shed. Adding a fence to further secure your generator shed is also recommended.
Generators should be placed at least 20 feet from your house, so make sure the place has enough lighting. Lastly, make sure that you give enough ventilation for your generator.
Should I call the police if my generator is stolen?
Yes, you should call the police immediately and file a report. A police report is needed for your insurance claim. Just make sure you don’t touch anything in the area before the police arrive. They need to check the area where your generator was located and gather evidence. If you have a home security system or CCTV, show any relevant video to the police for evidence.
Can I make an insurance claim for my stolen generator?
Yes, you can make an insurance claim if your generator is stolen. All you have to do is report the theft because a police report is needed for the claim. Aside from the police report, the insurance company will also need proof of the generator’s price. Make sure you keep the receipt.
Conclusion
Whether you get the cheapest or the most expensive generator for your home or RV, it is important to protect your generator from thieves. If you want to secure your generators, make sure to follow the stolen generator theft prevention tips.
