Nearly 40 percent of all construction and agricultural equipment theft occurs in just five states, according to a report released today by the National Equipment Register (NER), a database company established to reduce heavy-equipment theft rates and increase recoveries of stolen equipment. Based on more than 5,000 theft reports submitted to NER in 2005, Texas leads all other states in the number of heavy-equipment thefts, followed by California, Florida, Missouri, and South Carolina.

NER's study also found that most equipment is stolen from non-owner premises or work-site locations, which are likely to have lower security than owner premises. In 2005, more than 70 percent of stolen equipment was taken from work sites. Less than 30 percent was stolen from insureds' premises, which are typically more secure, fenced storage facilities.

NER based this third annual report of construction and agricultural equipment theft in the U.S. on its database of over 77,000 theft reports and ISO data. The report is the most detailed analysis of construction and farm equipment theft ever published.

The NER report includes statistical analyses and advice, such as recommendations to help educate law enforcement personnel and buyers of used equipment about the "red flags" to look out for, such as the type and timing of transportation, missing decals, unusual paintwork, and missing identification plates.

To receive a free copy of the 2005 Equipment Theft Report, e-mail NER at info@NERusa.com.