For most people, long weekends mean time off and relaxation. For thieves, they mean something else entirely: opportunity. When jobsites and storage yards sit unattended for extra days, criminals know they have a window to move in. That’s why Memorial Day, Labor Day, and other holiday weekends often see spikes in trailer and equipment theft.

In this article, we’ll explore why long weekends are prime time for theft, the hidden risks for businesses, and how GPS tracking can make sure your operation doesn’t become a statistic.

⏰ Why Holidays Create the Perfect Storm

Thieves don’t just strike randomly—they plan. Holiday weekends offer them :

Extra Time : With sites empty for 2–3 days, they can cut locks, load equipment, and disappear without anyone noticing until Tuesday.

Predictability : Businesses often shut down on the same days, leaving routines easy to track.

Reduced Oversight : Fewer patrols and less staff presence means less chance of being caught in the act.

🔍 What Thieves Target Most on Long Weekends

During long weekends, the most common thefts include :

• Trailers (especially enclosed trailers with tools)
• Skid steers and mini excavators
• Generators and compressors
• Lawn equipment left unsecured

These items are portable, valuable, and easy to resell quickly.

💸 The Hidden Costs of Holiday Theft

Losing equipment is bad enough. But theft over long weekends creates additional challenges :

Delayed Starts : A Tuesday morning discovery can stall the entire week.

Rental Costs : Emergency equipment rentals are often more expensive over holidays.

Client Fallout : Project timelines slip, frustrating customers and damaging your reputation.

Insurance Gaps : Deductibles and exclusions mean businesses often eat a large portion of the loss.

✅ How to Protect Your Assets Before a Long Weekend

Don’t give thieves the advantage of time. Here are proactive steps :

• Lock Trailers to Fixed Objects – Don’t just rely on a hitch lock.
• Add Motion-Activated Lights and Cameras – Increase visibility at storage sites.
• Use GPS Trackers on Trailers and Equipment – Real-time alerts notify you if assets move unexpectedly.
• Vary Routines – Don’t park in the same spot every holiday.
• Train Crews on Lock-Up Protocols – Make Friday afternoon security checks part of your culture.

📈 A Real-World Example

A contractor in Ohio lost two trailers over a holiday weekend, totaling $35,000 in tools and gear. Insurance covered only $18,000 after deductibles. Months later, they installed GPS trackers on their replacement trailers. The following Labor Day, thieves tried again—this time triggering a motion alert at 2:12 a.m. Police recovered the trailer within the hour.

The difference? Preparation and technology.

🔑 Key Takeaway

Holiday weekends are a prime time for theft because thieves know you’re not watching. But with proactive security and GPS tracking, you can turn their opportunity into a dead end.

Don’t let your long weekend turn into a long-term setback.

Protect Your Business Before the Next Holiday

Visit www.buyalertrax.com to secure your trailers and equipment with GPS tracking.

Because thieves don’t take holidays—but you should be able to.