Check if Power Tools Are Stolen Before Buying
Verify if power tools, hand tools, or construction equipment are stolen in 3 seconds. Free serial number verification for all tool brands: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, Ryobi, Craftsman, Hilti. Check before buying from Facebook Marketplace, pawn shops, Craigslist, or job sites. Power tools are the #1 most stolen item from construction sites and vehicles.
What is Tools & Equipment Verification?
Checking if tools are stolen means verifying serial numbers against law enforcement databases, LeadsOnline (pawn shop database), and contractor theft reports. Professional-grade power tools have unique serial numbers for warranty tracking. SafeOrStolen's tool checker instantly searches law enforcement stolen property databases, LeadsOnline (national pawn shop database tracking millions of tool transactions), manufacturer warranty records for DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, insurance claim databases, and contractor theft reports. This protects buyers from purchasing stolen tools that could be confiscated or have warranty issues.
How It Works
Locate the serial number: Usually on tool body near motor housing, on battery compartment, or on base plate. Check product manual or manufacturer's website for exact location. DeWalt: usually on motor housing. Milwaukee: near battery connection. Makita: on tool body or bottom plate.
Record the complete serial number including all letters, numbers, and dashes. Take a photo of the serial number label. One wrong character can cause false results.
Take photos of the tool including any damage, wear patterns, or modifications. Check if the tool has been recently repainted or has tape covering markings (theft indicator).
Enter the serial number into our verification tool at SafeOrStolen.com/verify
Review the report showing whether the tool has been reported stolen, pawned, or has insurance claims
If CLEAN and warranty is valid, proceed. If STOLEN, pawned recently, or warranty void, walk away and report to authorities
Our tool verification system queries multiple databases simultaneously. We check: (1) Law enforcement stolen property databases - tools are the most common stolen item reported to police across all 50 states, (2) LeadsOnline - the largest national pawn shop database. Over 60% of stolen tools are pawned within 48 hours of theft, (3) Manufacturer databases - DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, Hilti warranty and registration records, (4) Insurance claim databases - tracks tools reported stolen to homeowners or business insurance, (5) Contractor theft reports - many tools are stolen from construction sites, work trucks, or job trailers, (6) Serial number format validation - verifies the serial matches manufacturer specifications. Within 3 seconds, you receive a comprehensive report.
Why Check Before Buying?
Buying stolen tools has serious legal and financial consequences. (1) Tools can be confiscated by police with zero compensation - you lose $100-$5,000 per item, (2) You could face criminal charges for possession of stolen property, (3) Manufacturers void warranties on stolen tools - no repairs or replacements, (4) Pawn shops and repair shops may report you if serial numbers flag as stolen, (5) Professional contractors can lose their license for possessing stolen tools, (6) You can't claim insurance or register tools for warranty. In 2024, over $3 billion worth of tools were stolen in the United States. Power tools are the #1 most stolen item from construction sites, work vehicles, garages, and sheds. Stolen tools flood Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and pawn shops at 50-70% below retail price. Our free tool checker protects you from this massive theft market.