The building trade reports a marked increase in plant and tool theft from vehicles and site compounds. The thefts are largely due to construction firms and contractors scaling down work and shutting sites due to the coronavirus pandemic, says the CEA (Construction Equipment Association), the owners of the CESAR scheme (for marking and registering machinery).
David Smith, chairman of CITS (Combined Industries Theft Solutions) said: “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.”
Coronavirus is also behind delay in launching a Agricultural Construction Equipment (ACE) national police unit. The CEA is still progressing agreements with the police and insurers to support the unit, as a successor to the Plant & Agricultural National Intelligence Unit (PANIU). Instead of the intended launch in April, organisers have set October.
Rob Oliver, chief executive CEA said: “The good thing is that, although the new national police unit is delayed, there is still active industry/police co-operation going on. This is made possible by the expertise of the CESAR Police Liaison Team, CITS and others stepping up their services to combat this crime wave. Police officers may have other urgent concerns at present, but the 24/7 CESAR call centre remains as a quick check resource for them when they need to identify suspicious plant. At the moment, it is all about working together to help protect our people and our businesses.”
For more on CESAR visit https://www.cesarscheme.org/benefits-police.php and https://www.cesarscheme.org/index.php
