With a billion dollars worth of equipment stolen from construction sites around the country each year, Dan Wolfe of Highland saw a need.

The entrepreneur invented a high-tech security device that has now gone national.

The DeWALT tool company purchased the idea from Wolfe two years ago and it's now debuting on the market, Wolfe said. From a pencil box-shaped black plastic container it has evolved into a sleek, hand-sized model called MobileLock.

Though the device was designed to prevent theft and vandalism at construction sites, it can be used for a variety of other purposes, Wolfe said.

"A billion dollars worth of materials and equipment are stolen from construction sites each year," he said. "I saw the need because I was in the business," Wolfe said.

The MobileLock is a box that contains a GPS unit, cell phone and several infrared sensors to detect motion. It can be programmed from a cell phone or computer with definite times and sensors to recognize an intrusion.

The device's GPS locating ability works even in most indoor spaces, and the alarm can contact up to three people by phone or e-mail, according to a statement on www.DeWALT.com. The device also has built-in sensors for vibration and temperature and is weatherproof, impact resistant and heat resistant.

"When it is activated no one can approach it without a call going to the owner. It is so small it hides well. You can put it under the seat of a Bobcat for instance or in a toolbox or other equipment," Wolfe said.

A field product manager for DeWALT recently left the device in a briefcase in his truck in San Francisco and when he came out discovered the window smashed and his briefcase and other belongings stolen, Wolfe said.

The MobileLock was tracked to a location two blocks away.

When police said they could not enter without a warrant, the siren capability was engaged and they actually found many of the stolen articles in a garbage can near the residence.

"I originally marketed it locally to about a hundred contractors. I had worked with student engineers at BYU and they put it on the Internet," Wolfe said. "DeWALT actually contacted me to get the product on their line. It is one of two security devices they sell."

Inventing a marketable product is a long and expensive process. Wolfe estimates it cost him between $35,000 and $40,000 just to get the patent and much more than that to develop and market the device. It also took many years not only to perfect it but to get it on the market.

"After DeWALT picked it up there were two more years of negotiations before the deal was signed. They then took another two years to test and refine the product to the point it is now," Wolfe said.

Once DeWALT bought the idea, Wolfe said he was contractually obligated to keep silent about his invention until now because it has gone on the market.

"That was two years ago and now it is part of the DeWALT product line. It costs $499 and can be purchased on the Internet from DeWALT.com. It can keep a $25,000 Bobcat form being stolen so it's a good investment."

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page B1.