Masonry Magazine December 1983 Page. 26
"Denver Boot" May Give the Boot to Equipment Thieves
With losses from construction equipment theft running an alarming $327 million annually, some novel methods are being explored to frustrate thieves.
One of the more interesting anti-theft schemes being tried is the "Denver boot," an immobilizing device police in some cities have been applying to cars of parking-ticket scofflaws who ignore traffic fines. The boot is attached to a wheel of a car, effectively immobilizing it until the car owner pays up.
Now a number of airplane owners are using the device, which costs about $300, to secure their planes. And, according to a Chicago distributor of the unit, building contractors also are expressing interest in the boot to protect expensive equipment. Though still experimental, it's a promising idea that should discourage all but the most persistent thieves.
Association Publishes Anti-Theft Guidelines
In a related move, the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA) recently organized a Product Security Committee to look into ways to prevent and/or recover stolen machinery.
The committee has developed a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) which, in effect, serves as a form of registration for a specific piece of machinery. "Construction equipment is an easy mark for thieves who can pull up to a remote jobsite, load a $200,000 bulldozer or whatever on a trailer, and drive off without ever worrying that the equipment can be properly identified by law-enforcement agencies," says C. Stanley Us-kavitch of Deere & Co., committee chairman.
"Up until now, some equipment salesmen have been using a dimestore salesbook form or even a piece of brown wrapping paper, either of which are difficult to authenticate and are easily falsified. An MCO provides recognized proof of ownership regardless of the type of invoice or sales slip."
The registration system is described in a booklet, "MCO Validation and Use Guidelines."
CIMA has also produced another booklet, "Voluntary Guidelines and Suggestions," intended primarily for use by equipment manufacturers and illustrating basic theft deterrent practices that machine manufacturers and owners can take to thwart thievery and recover stolen property.
Copies of the booklets can be obtained from Bill Pruesser at CIMA Headquarters, 111 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202, (414) 272-0943.
Changes in ASTM Masonry Standard
To alleviate any confusion between almost identical standards for masonry and grout, ASTM has made significant changes in the specifications for both materials.
C-476, the Specification for Grout for Reinforced and Non-reinforced Masonry, is now a grout-only standard for both reinforced and non-reinforced masonry.