Theft ring steals small construction equipment, resells to unsuspecting consumers

ATLANTA - May 18, 2015 - PRLog -- The Georgia chapter of the American Rental Association wants to warn consumers who may be looking to purchase used construction equipment of a potential scam.

A theft ring operating in the metro Atlanta area has been renting construction equipment from rental stores, stealing it, and then re-selling it as if they are the lawful owners.  The consumer may not realize they are buying stolen equipment until police contact them or they need to have it serviced at a dealer, and by then the thief is long gone with their hard-earned money.

It is believed that this theft ring has pocked several hundreds of thousands of dollars to date through the sale of stolen equipment.  In some cases they even have notarized paperwork showing ownership.  The types of equipment involved are mainly skid steer loaders, mini-excavators, and equipment trailers.  The brands represented include Bobcat, Takeuchi, Kubota, and various trailer manufacturers.

The two main suspects in this ring are Robert Eugene Woodward, 44, and Madison Brooke Hall, 19.  They are also wanted in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia in reference to similar crimes.  Anyone with information regarding Woodward or Hall is advised to contact their local law enforcement agency or to call 911.

Consumers are advised to check the history of any used construction equipment they are buying.  This can be done either through http://www.ner.net/ironcheck.html or by calling the manufacturer to see if it has been reported stolen.  Consumers are particularly advised to beware of any used equipment for sale that seems to be priced well below market value.

Background Information

http://www.oconeelaw.com/news/?p=4272

http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2015/05/07/pair-suspected-heavy-equipment-theft-fraud/70958664/

http://www.wnct.com/story/26596807/most-wanted-suspect-in-rental-theft-wanted-in-4-states-considered-dangerous

http://jail.com/arrest-records/robert-woodward-4771025

About ARA of Georgia

The American Rental Association of Georgia is a volunteer service organization serving Rental Operators in the State of Georgia. The ARA of GA is a recognized local chapter of the American Rental Association. The ARA of Georgia's purpose is to provide services to Rental Operators as an industry group in order to facilitate improved performance of the industry as a whole and to encourage the sharing of ideas and strategies amongst members. Members of the American Rental Association are companies that work in the field of the rental of tools, construction equipment, party and tent equipment, film and entertainment oriented rentals and other special needs rental businesses.  For more information, visit www.araofga.org.