Last Update: February 24, 2023
Portable Generator Theft Prevention Guide


(21+ Tips) Portable Generator Theft Prevention Guide
Complete Guide

Portable Generator Theft Prevention

Generators are beneficial and often essential in certain situations, but they can be expensive. Some of the most costly portable generators can cost several tens or even hundreds of thousands.

The loss of a generator can be a severe inconvenience. Not only is it expensive, but you will also lose power. It can be devastating for any business.

To enjoy the power production feature, which is the most important, you must protect the generator from theft and damage. Here are 21 tips and tricks to help you keep your generator ( single phase or three phase generator) safe from thieves, functional breakdowns, and wear.

Portable generators are something you won't purchase every few years. You can take it with you for 8-10 years. It would be best to care for your generator to keep it running for an extended period. Keeping your generator in good condition and away from thieves is important.

Local authorities are often notified of generator theft cases. Generator safety is a concern for all who use portable generators. This includes small businesses, homeowners, and food trucks. Imagine that you were trying to navigate the night with your generator and then waking up to discover that it isn't running. Your generator may have run out of gas, overheated, and shut off, so you go outside thinking it was dead. But then you realize that the generator has been stolen.

It's better to protect your generator now than regret it later. We have all heard an old saying, "There is no crying over spilled milk," and "A stitch in time saves nine." It is always better to be more proactive than reactive and prevent being robbed.

This guide will explain how to protect your generator from theft.

#1. It is crucial to protect it starting on the first day

A common mistake people make when buying generators is to leave them unattended in the hopes of installing security measures the next day. However, it's easy for it to be stolen the next night.

You can save yourself the hassle of losing your generator, even if you never used it.

#2. You can fence the area around your generator

One of the essential safety measures is to fence around the generator. The primary type of fencing is simple and doesn't require any additional.

You can make your fence more reliable and strong by using stronger fencing wire. A motion sensor can be added to your generator to notify you of any movement.

#3. More lights to the Generators Area

It is a simple way to ensure safety around your generator. Thieves don't like well-lit areas so they will avoid them.

Combinations of motion-sensing and solid lights can be used to make it more difficult to reach it. To ensure an uninterrupted experience, the lights must draw power from the generator and the grid.

#4. Install an alarm system

A CCTV camera can be added to alert you if someone approaches the generator. If you are not there to respond to the alarm, this will scare the thief.

#5. Storage boxes for your Generators

Because they are restricted in access, storage boxes can be fitted to specific generators. They protect them against vandalism and theft. A custom-made storage box can be ordered for your generator or as an after-market option.

#6. Take off the wheels

While the wheels of your generator are very useful in moving it around, they are also helpful to the thief who wants to steal it, especially if you aren't using it or keeping it stationary. You can secure your generator by removing the screws and placing it on wooden blocks or other secure surfaces. It will be difficult for a thief to steal your generator this way.

#7. Block access to the generator

Although fences and other obstacles can help keep the generator safe, they should not be used to prevent it from being accessed.

Although it may sound simple, many people find it challenging to access these items. Generators large enough to power a vehicle cannot be taken from a site. You can also block it with other heavy machinery. 

It will be difficult for thieves or vandals to take it once they have stolen it. Other machinery can be used to block the pathway to the generator. Make sure that the generator has adequate ventilation.

#8. Hinge it

Portable generators on construction sites might be suspended from cranes when they are not being used. This is not a fancy construction technique but an effective way to keep thieves and vandals away from generators. Hang it up if you have a crane or another viable method.

#9. Drain your generators fuel

You might drain the fuel of your generator before you store it. This will ensure that the fuel does not go stale in the generator.

This can cause problems when the generator is not started or run properly. It could also cause fuel deposits to build up over time.

#10. Fuel protection

Although the primary focus of generator protection is on the generator itself, it is essential to take steps to prevent fuel theft. This is a common risk. Remote monitoring systems are possible to help with this.

Fuel theft and vandalism can be triggered by unrestricted access. You can steal or use the generator to cause damage by lighting it up. Therefore, fuel should be stored in a safe place that is well-ventilated and secure.

#11. Carriage bolts and steel plates are recommended

Carriage bolts can be used for campers. These bolts are driven into a plate of steel and attached to the generator. The generator should be at least 2 feet away from the steel plate.

This extra space can then be used to load the car onto the plate with the wheels resting on it. It's not easy to steal it.

A vandal will not come within two feet of a parked vehicle with the intent of damaging the generator. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, ensure that the exhaust pipe is facing away from the car.

#12. Make sure to keep the details of the generator

If the generator is stolen, you will need to provide the details such as model number, serial number, and other information. They will be able to track it down much quicker.

It is the best way for law enforcement to identify stolen goods. Make sure you write down your generators serial number or keep the documentation.

To increase your chances of recovering stolen goods, you can also enter the serial number in internet databases.

#13. Use a lock-and-key combination

A fence around your generator will help you deter thieves and vandals. But, if you don't lock it up, it won't be very secure.

A lock that is not equipped with a chain and a standard lock won't help you, as thieves can easily cut them in seconds.

Instead, choose hardened locks and chains that require at least a grinder to be cut. It is doubtful that thieves will have a torch or a flame torch to steal your generator.

#14. Engage security

You can take care of the generator physically to ensure it is safe. You can watch it while you are camping to prevent thieves and vandals. You can also hire a guard dog or guard to help you at home.

#15. Use a power outlet alarm

A power outlet alarm is also known as a power surge alarm or power socket alarm. It is a device that plugs into a socket.

You can use it as an extension cord. It is activated when the generator's fuel runs out, the power supply goes down, or it is unplugged. The generator can still be running, but it will work.

#16. You can also add a GPS tracker

You can add a GPS tracker to your generator to help you locate it after it is stolen. It is unlikely that someone will search for a GPS tracker attached to a generator.

The thief will not bother looking for the generator in the first place. This will give you the chance to return the generator. We recommend that you notify the police and go on the search together.

#17. Add a sign to it

If the generator is recovered by police or used by someone else, the sign you attach to it will allow you to identify it. It can also be used to deter thieves. However, this method will not work against vandals.

To have a generator that is secure, you don't necessarily need to follow all of the steps. It is important to keep all these details safe and to watch over it when you use it at home or on a camping trip.

#18. Don't Make a Big Deal About It

It's best to keep your new generator hidden from prying eyes. 

The more people who notice your expensive generator, the more likely it is that burglars in the vicinity will try to steal it from you.

#19. Camping Protection Standards

 When individuals go camping and leave their generators outside without any security measures, they are frequently stolen. 

Chaining your portable generator to something hefty is the best method to keep it safe. 

You may connect your generator to an RV if you have one nearby. 

If you want to keep your generator out in the open, you can install cable alarms.

#20. Securing Your Inverter Generators

The only method to secure an inverter generator is to use the plastic clips that come with it. 

These clips, unfortunately, are not particularly strong and would open with a motion of the hand. Fortunately, you can get iron brackets to secure your generator online. 

These brackets prevent the generator's casing from being readily opened. 

On the other hand, the thieves can still pick it up and flee. 

For added security, heavy-duty chains and locks can be used.

#21. RV Safety Measures

Almost every RV traveler owns a portable generator. They use it to power TVs, charge computers and smartphones, heat water, and cool the RV. 

Install a good cabin for your portable generator in the front or back of the RV, then lock it up. Don't leave your generator unattended outside the RV without taking precautions.  

Conclusion

We could continue to talk about this topic for hours, but I think we have exhausted all the important and most practical tips that I could offer.

These precautions will make it very unlikely that you face theft. 

If you implement adequate security measures to keep your generator safe, you considerably reduce the likelihood of thievery. However, it is still feasible that astute criminals may steal it. If you become aware of this, do not take matters into your own hands; instead, contact the police immediately and report the event. They will complete their task and locate your generator as quickly as feasible.

They will also give you a fresh perspective and encourage you to explore new ways to secure your property, including your generator.

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