Outdoor Power Generator Security & Theft Prevention

Air conditioners, generators, pool pumps… homeowners may not give much thought to the expensive equipment outside their homes but here’s a true story that generated a big surprise for one family.

Snow, ice storms, hurricanes. The Maine coast can experience nasty weather all year long and many homeowners purchase generators to cope with expected, and often prolonged, power outages. Generators range in size from small portable gasoline models used to power necessary equipment only, to large permanently installed propane-fuelled systems that produce enough electricity to power a whole house. Bigger than a large refrigerator, these units can weigh a thousand pounds or more and are typically bolted onto a cement pad. Safe, right?

Imagine the surprise and dismay when the Maine homeowner pulled into his driveway to discover his recently installed generator had been stolen. Bolts and electrical connections were cut and the entire unit hauled away. This was obviously a well-planned theft and more than likely the unit was sold. More often, however, thieves open generators or air conditioners and quickly strip out the valuable copper and steel. In fact, scrap metal theft has become “big business” and unwary homeowners are left holding the bill. So what to do?

If you have the option, position the equipment out of plain sight. If equipment is easily viewed from the street or adjoining property, consider a permanently installed enclosure or cage designed specifically to protect the unit. The time it takes to break into a cage will deter most thieves. If a cage is beyond your budget, you can hide the equipment with shrubs or a fence. These will also provide added, cosmetic protection for a cage. And it’s not only the big, obvious things that are vandalized. If you live in a rural area or have a well on your property, consider disguising it or shielding it from thieves who are adept at robbing wells. Imagine turning on the shower in the morning only to find someone has hauled up your well pump and taken off with the metal. It happens more often than you think.

If budget allows, installing a ADT monitored perimeter security system is the best course of action you can take to deter thieves and protect your home’s external equipment. For immediate protection right now, the best thing you can do right now is hide the object in plain sight.

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