Case Study: How TrueLook Helped Kirlin Way Catch an Excavator Thief in Minutes 

The Challenge

Kirlin Way faced a critical challenge on their construction project: securing valuable equipment left overnight. With expensive machinery like excavators at risk, theft was a constant concern. The project team knew without effective jobsite security, they could face significant financial loss, not to mention the disruptions caused by replacing stolen equipment and managing insurance claims.

In addition to the need for jobsite security, Kirlin Way also wanted to capture the full progress of the project with a time-lapse video, allowing them to document the build from start to finish. They needed a solution that addressed both security and project visibility. For security, real-time monitoring was required to deter theft. For project visibility, a clear visual record of construction progress was essential.

TrueLook Solution

To address both their security and visibility needs, Kirlin Way purchased a 2K IR PTZ camera from TrueLook, along with Jobsite Monitoring services. The PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera offered exceptional flexibility, allowing the site to be monitored from multiple angles with high-resolution, real-time imaging. This 360-degree coverage was key to ensuring that no blind spots existed, especially in the high-risk areas where equipment was stored overnight. The camera’s infrared capabilities also provided clear visibility in low-light conditions, making it ideal for night monitoring.

In addition to security, the camera also provided Kirlin Way with a valuable tool for documenting the progress of their construction project. With TrueLook’s time-lapse feature, they automatically captured the entire project from start to finish, creating a visual record of the work. This dual-purpose solution allowed them to track both the safety of their jobsite and the development of the build, all in one integrated platform.

The Results

At 1:30 a.m., someone entered the jobsite and attempted to drive an excavator off the property. The TrueLook Camera detected the unauthorized motion. Within just 33 seconds, our U.S.-based monitoring team verified the threat. Only 1 minute and 13 seconds after the initial detection, police were notified. The customer was alerted immediately, and law enforcement arrived on-site approximately 9 minutes after the initial motion. The police were able to chase down the excavator and make the arrest. The incident was captured on camera, supporting both recovery and insurance follow-up.

The Kirlin Way team appreciated the customization and control built into the platform:

By planning ahead, Kirlin Way not only avoided the fallout of a major theft but also secured high-quality time-lapses to showcase their project’s success.