Every 37 seconds, a vehicle is stolen in the United States. While we often associate vehicle theft with personal passenger cars in urban centers, the reality is far broader — and relevant to contractors. Work trucks, cargo vans, trailers, and even construction equipment are prime targets for opportunistic thieves. For members of the Delaware Contractors Association (DCA), theft is more than just a nuisance — it’s a threat to operations, schedules, and profitability.

As the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) marks National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month each summer, it’s the perfect time for Delaware’s construction industry to review, reinforce, and upgrade its fleet protection practices. Whether you operate a dozen heavy-duty trucks or a small fleet of vans packed with specialized tools, the message is clear: smart prevention now can save you thousands in losses later.

Vehicle Theft: A Growing Concern for Contractors

In 2024, over 850,000 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide — a staggering figure, even after a 17% drop from the previous year. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), construction vehicles and commercial trucks are seeing a surge in thefts, particularly in the summer months when job sites are busier and more vulnerable.

Why Contractors Are Prime Targets

Why should contractors be especially concerned? Simply put, your vehicles are often:

• Loaded with tools and materials of high resale value
• Left unattended at remote job sites or parked overnight
• Sometimes Lacking in modern anti-theft protections

Once a work truck is stolen, the indirect costs multiply. Jobs may be delayed, insurance premiums can rise, tools need replacing, and crews are left without reliable transport — all of which hurt your bottom line and reputation.

 A Layered Approach to Theft Prevention

The good news? You can fight back. The NHTSA and NICB recommend a layered security strategy — simple, incremental steps that work together to make theft more difficult and recovery more likely.

Here’s how DCA members can put this into practice:

1. Secure Parking

• Always park in well-lit, high-visibility areas, especially if overnight storage is required.
• Consider installing fencing, security cameras, and motion-activated lighting at yard locations or job sites.

2. Basic Lockup Protocols

• Ensure all doors, windows, toolboxes, and hatches are locked.
• Train employees to double-check lockups and avoid leaving keys inside.
• Never leave the vehicle running unattended.

3. Hide or Remove Valuables

• Tools, laptops, and equipment should be locked in secure compartments or removed entirely.
• Glove boxes, under-seat bins, or hard cases can be used to limit visibility of electronics and documents.

4. Install Aftermarket Deterrents

If your vehicles don’t already have anti-theft features, consider:

• Audible alarm systems
• Steering wheel locks
• Ignition kill switches
• Brake pedal locks
• GPS or asset tracking devices (some insurers offer discounts for installing these)

5. GPS & Telematics

• Fleet telematics systems not only help with logistics and maintenance but also aid in locating stolen vehicles quickly.
• Real-time location monitoring is critical — especially for trailers or trucks not stored at HQ.

6. Employee Training

• Make theft prevention part of your regular safety meetings, onboarding and “toolbox talks”.
• Designate a theft prevention lead to check that procedures are followed on all job sites.

DCA Members: Time to Take Inventory

National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month isn’t just a public safety initiative — it’s a wake-up call. Take time this month to assess your fleet’s vulnerability:

✅ Do your trucks have modern anti-theft protection?
✅ Are your job sites secure at night?

✅ Have you trained staff on lock-up and anti-theft procedures?

✅ Do you use GPS or telematics for recovery and monitoring?
✅ Are your tools and electronics stored securely?

Resources and Where to Learn More

Stay informed and take action with these trusted resources:

• NHTSA Vehicle Theft Prevention: nhtsa.gov/theft
• NICB Theft Awareness: nicb.org
• Delaware State Police: dsp.delaware.gov

You can also reach out to your fellow DCA members — many are implementing low-cost, high-impact solutions to protect their operations. A shared challenge deserves shared strategies.

 Final Word: Prevention Starts with Awareness

As Delaware contractors, our vehicles are more than just transportation — they’re mobile job sites, tool lockers, and workforce lifelines. Losing one means more than the value of the steel or rubber — it disrupts contracts, livelihoods, and trust.

Let’s use National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month to double down on prevention and lead the industry by example. A few small steps today can mean uninterrupted work tomorrow.

Stay alert. Stay secure. Stay ahead.