How to Report Stolen Tools and Equipment
Tool theft from job sites and garages is common and often under-reported. Here is how to document and report it so you actually get it back.
1. Record serial numbers now, before anything happens
Most power tools and equipment have a serial number etched or stamped on the housing. Photograph and log these numbers for every tool you own — it is the single biggest factor in recovery.
2. File a police report with an itemized list
For job site theft, list every item taken with brand, model, and serial number where known. An itemized report is far more useful to police and insurers than a general description.
3. Check pawn shops and resale marketplaces
Stolen tools frequently appear on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and at pawn shops within days. Search by brand and model, and note that many marketplaces let you report suspicious listings directly.
4. Post a public alert on Re·Covered
Include photos, serial numbers, and the job site or storage location the tools were taken from. Contractors and trade groups often share these alerts within their networks.
5. Review your coverage
Job site theft may be covered under a contractor's tools-and-equipment policy or a homeowner's policy rider. File your claim with the police report number as soon as it is available.