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CEA: Spike in plant and tool thefts

by Kyle Molyneux  |  Wed 08 Apr 2020

CEA: Spike in plant and tool thefts

During the last fortnight, there has been a marked increase in plant and tool theft from both vehicles and site compounds, reports the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), owner of the CESAR scheme (a plant marking and registration initiative). The sharp spike in thefts is largely due to construction firms and contractors temporarily scaling down work and shutting jobsites due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

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

Ian Elliott, group head of security, Clancy Docwra and CITS (Combined Industries Theft Solutions) vice chairman advised: “Firms should be aiming at removing the majority of tools and plant away from site compounds. Where traditionally companies would perhaps have used plant containers – during these challenging times - companies are advised to leave these almost empty and remove plant and tools to a head-office, where possible, or placing the tools and small kit, within brick or concrete buildings well out of sight of the criminals.

“For sites where a company can’t physically remove kit – then the machinery should be placed within containers and for the containers to be blocked in by placing large concrete blocks or vehicles in front of the containers – blocking the doors. Keys for the vehicles must not be left on site!”

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