Thieves Use Stolen Excavator to Dig Its Own Hiding Spot—How GPS Tracking Saved the Day

In one of the most unusual theft cases we’ve seen, a stolen mini excavator in Los Angeles ended up in a massive hole—dug by none other than the stolen equipment itself. Thanks to GPS and Track, the owner was able to locate it despite the thieves’ creative attempt to conceal it.

Equipment theft is skyrocketing, especially in areas like Los Angeles, where construction gear is in high demand after recent wildfires. Our clients have turned to GPS tracking for protection, and this case proves just how essential that decision can be.

The mini excavator was stolen and transported over two hours away to a remote wildlife sanctuary near El Mirage. Without GPS, finding it would have been nearly impossible. But our tracking system pinpointed its exact location.

What made this case extraordinary was what the thieves did next. They used the excavator itself to dig an enormous hole and then hid it in the hole likely planning to return later to retrieve it once the heat died down. When the owner arrived at the coordinates, he couldn’t see the equipment right away. He had to walk over 100 yards into rough terrain before finally discovering it—completely hidden in the ground.

Why they took it to a wildlife sanctuary remains a mystery, but without GPS tracking, there’s no way this stolen equipment would have been recovered. Cameras, locks, and alarms are great deterrents, but once a machine is stolen and moved far away, they can’t help you find it.

This case highlights the power of GPS technology in real-world theft situations. Whether you go with our system or another, investing in a GPS tracker for your equipment is a must.