Theft Prevention

Ways to Keep Your Tow Truck Safe and Secure

By Randall C. Resch

The following account is an all-too common occurrence these days: On, April 24, 2023, a male suspect stole a 1995 Ford flatbed carrier near Murray, Georgia, in the early morning hours. The tow truck’s owner was alerted to the truck being taken, gave chase and while following in hot pursuit, collided with the suspect, causing them both to crash. The tow owner was killed and the suspect was transported to a local hospital, later charged with vehicle theft and the tow owner’s death.

Tow forums post many accounts of tow trucks being stolen. Yet some forum participants seem surprised when their wreckers and carriers are taken, even though operators are often negligent in protecting trucks from theft. So let’s consider some ways to prevent this from happening.

Detective Work

As seen through a police investigator’s eyes, what are the possibilities for inspiring an actual theft? Was the theft in-house, or was the truck destined to be stripped of parts and equipment?

Not all stolen trucks head to local chop shops, as some are stolen to acquire tow accessories and equipment (J-hooks, receivers, dollies, winches, etc.) and only some of these trucks are found right away. According to the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau), 35 percent of stolen vehicles are recovered the day they are stolen, and 45 percent are found within the first two days.

As one possible motivation, it’s no secret that the general public isn’t overly keen on tow companies to begin with. Perhaps someone has experienced being impounded by law enforcement, loan repossessors, or private property towers.

Whatever the reason, in most cases (not all), the stolen tow truck was left running and unoccupied. When a truck is parked while idling and unoccupied, a thief sees it as an easy target. It fits “The Three R’s”— Ready, Running and Rolling. That’s why the vehicle code law prohibits unattended and running vehicles, “unless the vehicle is deemed an authorized emergency vehicle,” or “is in process of making deliveries.”

Enforcement involving the theft of unoccupied vehicles is evaluated in caseby-case situations. It’s the investigator’s task to determine if the tow operator was actively involved in loading or off-loading, or perhaps was instead in the body shop’s office flirting with the new receptionist?

Even though there are plenty of reasons why tow trucks are stolen, determining the status surrounding tow truck theft is easier than it seems. Generally speaking, bad guys prefer not to steal tow trucks because they’re big, slow and cumbersome, and not the best choice for high-speed chases. Now let’s consider some possible reasons for tow truck thefts.

Uncovering The Truth

For police investigators responding to 911 calls, their focus goes deep inside the company’s stability. The following