ERA launches theft group to strengthen cross-border recovery

The European Rental Association (ERA) is creating a Theft Working Group to strengthen industry cooperation on equipment theft, especially when recovery requires coordination across borders.

Throughout Europe, theft and vandalism has caused damage estimated at €1.5 billion per year to the rental, construction and agricultural industries, as well as their customers. For the equipment rental industry alone, ERA estimates the value of stolen equipment to exceed €500 million per annum.

As theft is a core topic within its work programme, the Technical Committee took the lead, structuring the work around two linked tracks: prevention and recovery of assets.

The ERA values rental equipment theft at €500 million every year. (Image: AdobeStock)

Building on prevention work already delivered

In 2025, a Technical Committee subgroup published the Theft and Vandalism Prevention Guide, later translated into several languages and shared with ERA National Associations for review.

Two toolbox talks are now in preparation to help rental companies and their customers raise awareness on site, reinforce preventive behaviours, and clarify everyone’s role in protecting equipment.

Why the Working Group, and who will be involved?

With prevention tools in place, ERA is now focusing on recovery, where fragmented processes and limited information flow can slow down action between countries. The recovery rate of stolen equipment varies widely depending on the country and the security countermeasures deployed. It is significantly lower than that for other vehicles, such as cars.

The new Working Group will bring together:

• National Associations (including those already active on theft and recovery);
• Rental companies;
• OEMs;
• Police authorities.

If any ERA members would be interested in joining the working group, they should contact ERA Secretariat.

First step: mapping what exists

The working group will start by mapping existing approaches and tools in different countries, and identify what already exists at European/international level, with input from police forces and, where relevant, OEMs.

What ERA could enable

Based on this mapping, the group will explore how ERA can support cross-border recovery by improving communication between countries, encouraging closer collaboration across the value chain, assessing options for a centralised stolen equipment register (with strict data confidentiality), and considering cooperation with Interpol or similar initiatives.