ARA revamps website aimed at preventing equipment theft

The American Rental Association (ARA) has revamped its Equipment Rental Guard (ERG) website to offer streamlined navigation and expanded resources, making it easier for businesses to access tools that help prevent theft.

The full update of the website forms part of the ARA’s Equipment Rental Guard (ERG) program, which was introduced in 2025 as a comprehensive theft-prevention offering developed by the rental industry for the rental industry. It provides rental businesses with tools and resources to identify suspicious activity and reduce equipment loss.

Among the most significant updates is a fully revamped ERG website — equipmentrentalguard.org — designed to offer a more dynamic and user-friendly experience. The updated platform features streamlined navigation and expanded resources, making it easier for businesses to access tools that help prevent theft.

The update includes the new problematic renter database and dashboard. This real-time data source compiles ARA member-generated text alerts on flagged renters and stolen equipment into a centralized, searchable system accessible to both ARA members and law enforcement.

“Equipment theft is not just a financial issue — it disrupts operations, delays projects and impacts customers across the industry,” said Ryan White, ARA director of theft prevention. “With these new tools, we’re giving members greater visibility into potential risks and strengthening the industry’s ability to work together to prevent loss.”

ARA said it is encouraging its members to engage with ERG resources, including enrolling in text alerts, utilizing online trainings via RentalU and contributing to the growing database of shared intelligence. Each reported incident and alert helps strengthen the industry’s collective defense against theft.