The HRIA continues to work with members and industry experts to offer the latest information and resources designed to protect you, your team and your business from theft.
By Alison Carbery
WHEN THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE IS DIFFICULT AND the cost-of-living pressure goes up, so too do the trends in burglary and theft by deception. So, let’s talk about theft: what it is, what you can do about it and how the HRIA can help.
First up, what is theft? While the offence of theft is defined in different legislation that is specific to each state in Australia, the offence itself is similar across all the jurisdictions, irrespective of the particular words of each statute. As an example, in Victoria, theft is defined as the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the other of it.
In short, if someone legitimately borrows your property and does not give it back, then there are circumstances where this will be a theft. The challenge is to be able to recognise and communicate the circumstances to get the attention of police when you wish to report this type of theft. This is so you can provide the information that will demonstrate to them there has been dishonesty at the time of the appropriation, in this circumstance, when the hirer decides not to give the equipment back.
At a July meeting of the HRIA in Melbourne, representatives from Victoria Police and the HRIA’s insurance partner, Hire Insurance Brokers, told members that two major types of theft have increased in the last few years. One is thieves cutting fences and stealing gear out of hire yards; the other is theft by deception using fake licenses and credit cards.
Question is, what can you do about it?
Be proactive
The HRIA, in conjunction with our legal and insurance partners, have developed a comprehensive Information Sheet on preventing theft in the Hire industry. This is an excellent resource providing clear information and practical, proactive tips on:
- theft prevention at the point of hire (minimum ID requirements, confirming identity)
- using high-resolution CCTV to overlook the hire desk and the car park
- having good security and installing GPS tracking on high-value equipment.
Be prepared
Of course, theft can still occur. So, what can you do and how do you know when to report an alleged theft to the police?
While the circumstances surrounding each case of theft will vary case-by-case it’s important that before you determine a theft has occurred, you’ve made reasonable attempts to contact the hirer and documented your attempts. When reporting to the police, you should also provide information and evidence that will assist in any investigation. By presenting sufficient evidence to persuade a police officer that there is a realistic prospect of this occurring, you may receive more assistance from the police. The information sheet also provides useful key terms and phrases you can use when reporting.
Be vigilant
One of the most important things you can do is remain vigilant to theft. Since 2002, the HRIA’s Red Alert system has alerted members to equipment that has not been returned with details of the person or people who hired and then did not return the equipment. Even if it’s not in your area, Red Alert emails are a visible reminder to remain diligent around equipment theft.
The HRIA’s Red Alerts ensure the wider hire community is kept informed of the names and details of people not returning equipment and the types of equipment not returned, along with the locations of the rental companies affected.
Protect your business
Finally, it’s important to know you’ve got adequate insurance coverage for those times when you might need it most. With insurance a major cost for any hire business, it’s in your best interests to do what you can to reduce your premiums.
HRIA Insurance was designed by the hire industry to provide the best insurance products and advice for hire businesses. As the preferred insurance provider of the HRIA, Hire Insurance Brokers provide added value to HRIA members by leveraging expert industry knowledge, coupled with specialist insurance advice.
Members can find out more about tailoring insurance cover through HIB by visiting the Benefits of Membership page on our website.
You can also download a copy of the Theft Prevention Information Sheet at hria.com.au/information-sheets.