The Hard Truth About Gear Theft
Every year, thousands of dirt bikes, UTVs, trailers, and tools are stolen across the U.S.—many never recovered. For off-road riders and contractors alike, theft isn’t just a hassle—it’s a serious loss of time, money, and trust.
That’s why knowing what thieves target most—and having a plan to protect your assets—is key. In this guide, we’ll break down the top five most commonly stolen items and show you how Bloodhound Tracking can help you prevent theft and recover your gear if the worst happens.
Dirt Bikes & ATVs
Dirt bikes and ATVs are built for speed and freedom—but that also makes them a favorite target for thieves. These vehicles are often parked in driveways, garages, or trailheads with little to no security, making them easy to grab and go.
How to protect bikes & ATVs:
- Use heavy-duty locks through the frame or wheels
- Park in visible, secure locations
- Register your bike or ATV in Bloodhound Tracking with photos, VINs, and detailed info
- Join riding groups in the app for faster alerts and local support
- If your ride goes missing, Bloodhound lets you report it instantly, alert nearby users, and increase the odds of recovery.
Trailers
Trailers are often left parked and unattended, which makes them an easy target—especially when they’re not locked down or visibly marked. Whether loaded with gear or empty, thieves see opportunity and act fast.
How to protect trailers:
- Install coupler locks and wheel boots
- Park in blocked-in, well-lit areas
- Upload photos and serial numbers in Bloodhound Tracking
- Enable real-time alerts for nearby users if it’s reported stolen
- Having a report live in Bloodhound gives you fast visibility and a searchable record that helps law enforcement return your trailer if it’s found.
Power Tools & Job Site Equipment
On active job sites, tools are everywhere—and often left overnight in trucks, garages, or mobile units. Their portability and resale value make them an easy score for criminals who know where to look.
How to protect tools & equipment:
- Store tools in locked boxes or secured trailers
- Document serial numbers and upload photos in the Bloodhound Tracking app
- Report missing items to alert nearby contractors on the platform
- With Bloodhound’s community-powered recovery system, fellow tradespeople in your area can help you track down missing gear fast.
UTVs & Side-by-Sides
UTVs are workhorses on farms, trails, and construction sites. But when they’re left outdoors or in unsecured spaces, they can be quickly hauled away. These machines carry a high resale value and vanish fast without the right protection.
How to protect UTVs & SXSs:
- Lock the frame or wheels with a heavy-duty chain
- Store in garages, sheds, or fenced areas when possible
- Add asset records to Bloodhound Tracking with identifying info and photos
- If your UTV is stolen, Bloodhound’s real-time alerts and listing tools give you a serious head start on recovery.
Generators & Portable Fuel Tanks
From remote job sites to weekend events, generators and fuel tanks are essential—but rarely secured. These high-demand items are often overlooked in terms of security, which makes them especially vulnerable to theft.
How to protect generators and fuel tanks:
- Secure with cages, lockable brackets, or anchors
- Register in Bloodhound Tracking with all identifying information
- Enable real-time alerts to notify local users instantly if it’s stolen
- Let the Bloodhound community help you track it down.
Be Ready Before Theft Happens
When it comes to stolen items recovery, speed and visibility make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with bikes, trailers, tools, or UTVs, Bloodhound Tracking puts you in control.
Easy stolen item posting
Secure in-app messaging
Real-time alerts to nearby users and groups
And full asset tracking for any type of equipment
A growing pawnshop network