Problems with theft on Mobile welding trucks?

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I've been price shopping a lot of stuff recently, and it occurred to me after seeing the price of welding cable, that this stuff is very valuable.  Thieves are stealing power cable, A/C condensers, and copper plumbing from houses these days.  I'd think that a welding truck makes a mighty tempting target...I see lots of rigs with tanks, reels of hose and cable, and other equipment sitting exposed.  Do any of you involved in mobile welding have trouble with theft?If so, what are you doing to prevent it?  Any special modifications to trailers, tool boxes, or welders to discourage thieves?-Dave
Reply:Idunno about the rest of the world, but I keep my cables locked up on my truck.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Any rig I have worked with, or around, has been pretty much made of storage compartments, which are ALL locked, even the bottles get locked in (for safety aswell)
Reply:The last town I lived in theft of construction equipment of all kinds was so bad that no local insurance agent(100 mile circle) will insure it. Your best bet is to pull your whole rig into a locked garage at night if possible. A service body or a truck with tool boxes is a neon sign saying that there is stuff worth stealing in here. As always the best lock in the world only show evidence of forced entry.
Reply:Copper theft is really bad..Check this out..http://www.bostonherald.com/news/reg...icleid=1042857Unreal what they will do......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:http://www.comtrainusa.com/CT/News/T...tOct07.asp.htmThis particular news story shows a problem that's national. These idiots are going into radio tower sites now. One of our local rocket scientists just went into a power substation and thought that if they stole the neutrals, there's no power on them so there's no harm....until you open the neutral and there's 128KV on the line now!HAHAHAHA! The got themselves a helicopter ride to the burn center then died. Problem solved. These same clowns already stole the copper from every abandoned building around.
Reply:we have them here too. they have stole the power lines right off the poles in a mile long stretch three times this year and the phone lines too. i dont understand the phone lines cause they are fiber optic, is there copper in them too? they caught a couple guys stealing but they are just replaced by someone else. i hope they get fried, i hate a thief
Reply:I don't lock my leads up at night, but Rex (half pit bull and half saint bernard) who doesn't like anyone, besides about 4 people, makes sure they don't mess with anything.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:i'm with you jolly roger. the service truck goes in the yard everynight. wife has a shepherd, i got a boxer and a lab/rottie mix. i was working in the yard one morning and opened a gang box without cutting the lock. the fella i was doing work for ask, don't you lock those boxes. i tell em if they get past the dogs, then by golly they can have it."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:I don't leave my trailer sitting anywhere but in the shop or in the shed.  Other than that I'm with it at all times.  I make sure I get everything I need from the store before I hook up to the trailer.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:Fiber-op lines have no copper. Some of them do have a very thin outer aluminum barrier.Many RF transmissions lines today use copper plated aluminum since it's lighter and cheaper.My company service vehicle is always nearby where I am and at night is in the shop, which has an alarm and video system. I trust nobody.Video at your shop is one of the best investments that you can make. It's easy to do yourself with places like www.supercircuits.com to supply you with everything.
Reply:I have cable locks on my leads and the rest is insured by Ruger, Marlin, Remmington and Winchester. Additional insurance by S&W may be forthcoming.
Reply:Originally Posted by DDA52I have cable locks on my leads and the rest is insured by Ruger, Marlin, Remmington and Winchester. Additional insurance by S&W may be forthcoming.
Reply:Not in Tx anymore. Lethal force can be used without consequence to the shooter if it is to stop a crime. They finally got that law right recently.Do a search on Tx Home Castle Law and you will see.Last edited by DDA52; 11-07-2007 at 01:54 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by DDA52Not in Tx anymore. Lethal force can be used without consequence to the shooter if it is to stop a crime. They finally got that law right recently.Do a search on Tx Home Castle Law and you will see.
Reply:What kind of crime?Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:The son of one of our machinists died recently stealing copper...http://www.indeonline.com/index.php?ID=19339.Regarding theft off trucks, an 80cf gas cylinder I bought off Craigslist turned up to have been stolen off a welding rig.     It happened that the LWS I brought it to for hydro-test and fill was the same that serviced it for the contractor from whom it was stolen.      The contractor's insurance had already paid on the theft, so he didn't want it back.     The LWS refused to fill it too.It took a heated phone call with the seller and threats of police involvement, but I eventually got my money back.In hind site, for the $15 I originally paid, I should have kept it and made a gong from it.There are no small projects
Reply:Don't kill them. Just beat them severely and remove a few slices of meat to make them remember for the rest of their life. Scars leave a lasting impression.
Reply:I was doing work for a local cop who told us a story about a guy who they arrested at 2AM on the roof of a house stealing lightning rods for the copper!
Reply:Originally Posted by smithboyWhat kind of crime?
Reply:I will shoot any SOB that thinks of stealing off my rig.  I highly doubt most little bastards around here can lift and run with 300' of 2/0 cable, but I try to lock it down as good as I can. My truck is parked next to my bedroom window, under a light, and my dog will let me know if something is up .Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Happened to my father left the truck out one night next day GONE!!!! both cables but this was years ago I think he knew who did it though
Reply:Recently, the dirtbags around here stole the aluminum siding from a house. They did this with the local power company across the street working. When the cops came, they asked the utility workers if they saw anything. They said they saw it all! It was 3 guys in a contractor body truck and they did it in the middle of the afternoon. The utility workers thought they were installing new siding the next day. What balls!
Reply:Originally Posted by DDA52Anything that would endanger your life, someone else's life and your property...theft is included. The law used to be just for in your house and you had to run away from them first. That is why they always said if you shot someone on the porch, drag them back in the house, then call the cops. Now, that line is your property line. If you are threatened on your property, you can defend yourself and the criminal or their family can't prosecute you.I personally do not want to kill anyone. I prefer to leave scars...physical and mental.
Reply:Originally Posted by turboblownDon't kill them. Just beat them severely and remove a few slices of meat to make them remember for the rest of their life. Scars leave a lasting impression.We all have torches. Why not just heat something up with a rosebud tip and brand them? Perhaps something that's about 100 sq. in. in size.
Reply:Originally Posted by turboblownWe all have torches. Why not just heat something up with a rosebud tip and brand them? Perhaps something that's about 100 sq. in. in size.
Reply:Originally Posted by aczeller... i would prefer to brand them with the Batman symbol. that way, when their friends (if they have any) ask, the perp can truthfully say that batman caught him. hehehehe ...
Reply:Originally Posted by turboblownDon't kill them. Just beat them severely and remove a few slices of meat to make them remember for the rest of their life. Scars leave a lasting impression.
Reply:I bet the lawyer found no humor in that, lmao.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jolly RogerI bet the lawyer found no humor in that, lmao.
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepBatman can brand them too!
Reply:DDA52, Texas has always had a law on the books that states you can use deadly force to prevent the consequences of theft at night. I know this law because I helped investigate a few cases where the people trying to steal some cooper were shot by the owner of the cooper.
Reply:Not had any trouble, but don't leave it to chance either, i don't leave my lead on the welder, i take them and lock them up in the truck. copper is sky high right now.MikeHH210Hobart Champ 10KLincoln Buzz BoxCampbell Hausfeld 115Victor JourneymanMilwaukee 14" Chop Saw7" Chop Saw4/12" horz band sawmetal benderother toys forthcoming.
Reply:Originally Posted by odleoDDA52, Texas has always had a law on the books that states you can use deadly force to prevent the consequences of theft at night. I know this law because I helped investigate a few cases where the people trying to steal some cooper were shot by the owner of the cooper.
Reply:Not that all the discussion of who would do what to a hypothetical thief isn't entertaining, but it's not really the subject of this topic of discussion.Does anybody use and extraordinary security measures on their mobile rigs?  (not counting dogs or sitting in your rocker on the porch with a shotgun...)  Any particular brand of toolbox and lock that you rely on?  If you were going to fabricate a custom box, what materials and thickness of material would you consider using?  What style of hasp or locking mechanism do you think would work best?How about custom-made locks or wheel boots for trailers?  Anybody ever considered using a 'lo-jack' style device, or some other kind of alarm, hidden inside their engine-driven welder?-Dave
Reply:Happened to a guy I work for sometimes. They took all the lead off 2 trucks in a lighted yard. That was some hefty booty to haul off.  I advised him to check the local salvage yards but I don't think he followed thru. I think he felt stupid for not securing it better. Its a sad day in America when someone steals you means of making a living.SA200,Ranger8,Trailblazer251NT,MM250,Dayton225AC,T  D-XL75,SpoolMate3545SGA100C,HF-15-1  RFCS-14 When I stick it, it stays stuck!
Reply:i don't use any extreme security with my rig just the regular locks ect. When i'm on a job I know where I am and everything will either be in sight and locked or wide open to avoid the hassel of opening and reloking continually. When the rig sits in the yard it is watched by Poopsie and the refinerey security camera across the road.
Reply:No lock secure enough to stop  a determined thief. The best theft deterrent is, high  risks for reduced pay offs. Thieves are looking for a lazy way with high rewards. Raise the risks and reduce the value, of your target.For me, the, the #1 proven effective theft deterrent, is heavy engraving - it works. For example marking with a 1/4 carbide ball in a die grinder. Mark everything, with something   "Not -4- Sale", "stolen property", "report theft", "reward", "name - city state" and various other -not so subtle- phrases that come to the engraver's mind.Marking destroys fence value and lets a would-be thief know your serious, at first glance. Sale prospects know that they are risking arrest (and more) by simple possession of your property. Thieves have difficulty fencing the stuff.  There is no vague way to deny away "property of ..." "Not-4-sale". Even your unique colored paint is somewhat of a theft deterrent.Look around a flea market or pawn shop; you don't see heavily engraved stuff displayed for sale.Disguised value works also. Too bad you have to destroy the shiny new look of your equipment to keep it, but it works, spray painting  up a piece, such as a pump or generator that must be left out, is one way.
Reply:I work for an electrical distributer here in Salt Lake and we're always having our customers come back to buy more wire because they were careless and just left it out for anyone to take.  It was very bad this past summer.  Luckily it was just #12 and not 500MCM.***Stick welding like, woah.***
Reply:this past summer some thieves broke into the state police office in whitesville wv and stole their computers and printers and anything else of value they could find. then they took a crap in the middle of the floor. havent heard if they ever caught them. two years ago they broke into the shop where i work and stole 22 brand new tractor tires and every tool that we had. the law never did nothing, just said to contact the insurance company. im just glad that all my tools were in my truck and it goes home with me.
Reply:One Item.....  S&W M&P .45***Stick welding like, woah.***
Reply:Remember this discussion? Well I was hit a while ago. The chief operative at the denrep detective agency, cracked the case. When confronted, the thieves were offered the customary one-time opportunity to come clean; they thought it was a joke. I guess we'll see just how funny it is when the final punch line comes.For now, we have recovery, and they are still incarcerated. Sorry I can't share the details yet, once the cake's cut you can read all about it.Meanwhile, mark your stuff and be vigilant about pursuing loss.Last edited by denrep; 12-26-2007 at 09:51 PM.
Reply:knaack. all my leads go into the gang box when i'm done welding. i use the quick disconnects. the only thing not boltes or locked on the truck is the scrap steel floating around the bed. but the truck still goes in the yard at night."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:Denrep, I'm glad to hear that you recovered your stuff.  When you can come clean with all the details, please add any thoughts or recommendations related to what you'll do differently in the future.... Originally Posted by denrepRemember this discussion? Well I was hit a while ago. The chief operative at the denrep detective agency, cracked the case. When confronted, the thieves were offered the customary one-time opportunity to come clean; they thought it was a joke. I guess we'll see just how funny it is when the final punch line comes.For now, we have recovery, and they are still incarcerated. Sorry I can't share the details yet, once the cake's cut you can read all about it.Meanwhile, mark your stuff and be vigilant about pursuing loss.
Reply:Originally Posted by DDA52Not in Tx anymore. Lethal force can be used without consequence to the shooter if it is to stop a crime. They finally got that law right recently.Do a search on Tx Home Castle Law and you will see.
Reply:I keep everything locked up in the utility body cabinets and in the JoBox I have mounted in the bed of it and so far haven't had any problems.  Leads and ext cords go in the pack-rat drawer under the bed floor, which is also locked.  The Bobcat and the compressor won't be going anywhere unless the theif brings a crane.  The only things not locked up are the gas cylinder and any metal I have on the rack.  I need to devize a locking mechanism for the gas cylinder(s).   I worry more about someone making off with the whole truck than I do about someone ganking my cables.   At work, our powdercoating supplier had their new F450 delivery truck stolen the one night they left it outside their yard.   It had a load of our parts on it, waiting to be delivered the next morning.   The supplier claimed the truck on their insurance, we claimed the parts on our insurance, the theives made out, us and the supplier were re-imbursed, less the deductables, the only ones who lost significantly were the insurance companies.   Of course that comes back to the policy holders in the form of hiked rates....I'm sure the truck went straight to Mexico....MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:The only way to protect against theft of copper or anything else is to park your rig inside at night with an alarm. (period!)Here in California, theft of copper and other valuable metals is totally out of control. There have been cases where entire housing tracts under development have had all of the copper wire taken by thieves from unfinished houses. It's too bad about the young man who got lelectrocuted stealing wire from an electric substation. That one is worthy of a Dawin Award. At the very least if a person dos something like that, he should have either a test light or a VOM along with him when committing his dirty deeds.  I also blame the dealers who buy the stuff from seedy looking characters, especially if it looks like it's new copper. Shame on them!!!!!Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:i bought some cable locks from lowes, there made by master and their called a python i think but you pull it tight like a zip tie and it locks until you unlock it with ur key. i put them around my leads
Reply:My service truck is parked inside an alarmed building every night, and we also have an 8 foot fence with barbed wire on top around the property. The alarm is pretty good, last time someone came in without coding it out, the police were there in under 4 minutes.