Johnson County Sheriff's Office hosting a Heavy Equipment Theft Summit

Johnson County Sheriff's Office Press Release:

Lenexa, Kan. – The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Theft Reports of Agricultural and Construction Equipment (T.R.A.C.E.) program is hosting a first of its kind Heavy Equipment Theft Summit in Johnson County on September 20, 2011.  This summit is designed to bring together law enforcement officers, equipment owners, dealers, rental companies and insurance adjusters and agents together to discuss ways to prevent heavy equipment theft and enhance recovery. 

The summit will feature break-out classes with presentations from top industry experts from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, National Equipment Register and law enforcement.  During these sessions they will discuss the growing problem of construction and agricultural equipment theft, the challenges that hinder equipment recovery and the latest in equipment security technologies.  In addition, equipment will be on hand for participants to practice the techniques they learn to locate data necessary to identify and unite it with the owners.

The summit will be held September 20, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 12601 W. 95th Street, Lenexa, KS, 66215.  Media is welcome at this event and interviews with field experts will be available.  Those who have not already registered are welcome to attend and may register the day of the event.

The T.R.A.C.E. program began in early 2010 and now has over 300 registered participants throughout the metro area, Kansas and Missouri.  The program intends to efficiently get information regarding stolen farm equipment, livestock theft, livestock recovery, construction equipment and suspicious activities distributed across Johnson and the surrounding counties.  The objective is to quickly inform all participants of suspicious activities and crime in their neighborhood, farming community and construction sites.  

Agriculture producers, livestock owners, farmers cooperatives, implement dealers, construction business or insurance companies or anything close are invited to register for the program.  To register go to the Johnson County Sheriff’s website at www.jocosheriff.org, click on the T.R.A.C.E. logo and register.  Registration is not limited to Johnson County residents, as surrounding counties are encouraged to participate as well.