Theft Working Group

ERA’s Theft Working Group is a relatively new ERA body created in 2026 to address equipment theft across Europe, with a particular focus on the recovery of stolen equipment through better cross-border cooperation.

Equipment theft is a major issue for the rental industry. ERA estimates that stolen rental equipment alone is worth more than €500 million annually, while theft and vandalism across rental, construction and agricultural sectors cause around €1.5 billion in damage each year. The working group was established because theft is increasingly a cross-border problem.

Machines can be stolen in one country and quickly moved to another, making recovery difficult when countries use different systems, databases and law enforcement procedures.

The Working Group provides a platform for industry stakeholders and public authorities to collaborate on practical solutions that improve information sharing, cross-border cooperation and the recovery of stolen equipment across Europe. Its activities include sharing best practices, strengthening cooperation with authorities and exploring common approaches to equipment identification and stolen asset recovery.