Construction plant theft soars by an estimated 50%

During the last fortnight, there has been a marked increase in plant and tool theft from both vehicles and site compounds.

The sharp spike in thefts is largely due to construction firms and contractors temporarily scaling down work and shutting job sites due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The CEA (Construction Equipment Association), owners of the CESAR scheme (the plant marking and registration initiative) , reports on the latest crime spree and talks to industry specialists, who were able to offer sound advice to construction firms on measures they can take to help prevent plant and tool theft, and how companies can assist police with the recovery and identification of stolen kit.

David Smith, chairman CITS (Combined Industries Theft Solutions) commented on the current situation: “As a result of the Coronavirus situation, some construction sites have been forced to close, and personnel, including on-site security, have left. Under these circumstances, organised criminal gangs may try to exploit the situation.

Where construction plant and equipment has been left on-site, it is hoped that the police will be as vigilant as ever. Any unusual activity, on or near construction sites which have closed, needs to be investigated. This also applies to any unusual transport movements for construction plant, for example, during an unusual time, or if the vehicle is moving numerous items of plant belonging to different companies.

For owners of construction plant, it may be useful, for example, to ensure that tracking companies are alerted to the plants' location.”

Mr Smith concluded, “With all sectors working together, we will have a better chance of preventing crime during this time.”

“The Coronavirus ‘lockdown’ has meant that it’s currently ‘open season’ for criminal gangs who target construction plant” commented Nick Mayell, Datatag’s CESAR Police training and liaison officer and security expert. “The abrupt abandonment of work-sites has left machinery unsecured and vulnerable. Whereas a company would normally ‘wind-down’ for seasonal closures by ‘off-hiring’ kit and moving their own machines – sites have closed overnight - in the blink of an eye – and the thieves are having a field day.”

DC Chris Piggott, Rural Vehicle Crime intelligence officer, NAVCIS (National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service), offered his advice: “Many construction and agricultural vehicles now have so-called smart keys containing electronic information needed to start the machine, so it’s vital that keys are removed from machines and stored securely in a remote location.

“Other measures include the CESAR marking and registration system, immobilizers and tracking devices which are effective in deterring thieves and aiding police recoveries.

“Using the CESAR marking, and registration system makes machinery less attractive to criminals. Also, know what you own - take pictures of your vehicles and record serial numbers.”

The Covid-19 virus has not only impacted on the increase in Plant theft – but the situation is also partly responsible for the delay in launching the new Agricultural Construction Equipment national police unit.

For further information on CITS (Combined Industries Theft Solutions) visit http://www.theftsolutions.org/. For further information on CESAR please visit https://www.cesarscheme.org/benefits-police.php and https://www.cesarscheme.org/index.php

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