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Government confirms plans to implement the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act.

The UK Government has published its summary of responses and conclusions following the Call for Evidence on the implementation of the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023.

The Act, first introduced as a Private Members’ Bill in June 2022, was designed to help tackle the theft of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). As the Bill progressed through Parliament, its scope was widened to include larger agricultural and construction machinery, with improved security measures such as forensic marking, immobilisers, and mandatory record-keeping. The Bill received Royal Assent in July 2023, providing the framework for future regulations to implement those measures.

Following extensive consultation with industry and law enforcement stakeholders, the Government has now confirmed that the forthcoming secondary legislation will focus on the forensic marking and registration of new all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and specific removable GPS units. Proposals to include mandatory immobilisers and to extend the scope of the legislation to cover larger agricultural and construction equipment, as well as hand-held power tools, will not be taken forward at this time.

The Government’s report highlights the technical and practical challenges of implementing immobiliser requirements across multiple vehicle types and notes that further work is needed to ensure compatibility with existing type-approval standards. Similarly, extending the regulations to larger machinery and tools was considered too complex and burdensome for this initial phase. However, the Act retains the power for the Secretary of State to expand its scope in future through additional regulations.

The CEA (Construction Equipment Association), which represents the UK’s off-highway equipment manufacturers, has been actively engaged throughout this process, providing detailed feedback and representing the views of OEMs and suppliers.

It is disappointing that the UK’s proven record in forensic marking and equipment registration—through the CEA-owned CESAR Scheme—has not been reflected more prominently in the outcome. However, for many manufacturers, the decision to narrow the focus will come as welcome news, given the practical and engineering challenges of applying uniform standards to construction

Since its launch in 2007/8, CESAR has become the benchmark for equipment identification and theft prevention in the UK. Over 80% of UK construction equipment manufacturers now fit CESAR as standard, and the scheme is approaching its 700,000th registered machine. Widely recognised by the police, insurers, and the wider industry, CESAR provides a trusted and effective system that has demonstrably reduced machinery theft. It also funds the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT), which plays a vital role in coordinating the national response to organised machinery crime.

Importantly, the Government’s report acknowledges CESAR’s influence, noting that its technical standards and specifications have informed the minimum property-marking requirements proposed in the forthcoming regulations.

Commenting on the announcement, Viki Bell, Chief Executive of the Construction Equipment Association, said “The Government’s decision reflects the complexity of developing security regulations that apply consistently across multiple equipment types. It is essential to recognise that the UK’s construction equipment industry already leads by example in theft prevention and traceability through self-regulation.

The CESAR Scheme remains the recognised benchmark for equipment marking and identification, and we are pleased that its standards have helped inform the proposed regulations for ATVs and GPS units. The CEA will continue to work collaboratively with Government and law enforcement partners to share best practice and support efforts to reduce machinery theft across all sectors.”

Through its ongoing work with members and partners, the CEA will continue to champion effective, practical solutions that protect machinery assets, support law enforcement, and uphold the UK’s reputation for responsible manufacturing.

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