CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > May 2020 29 Plant Theft Reports and Police Alerts PLANT THEFT: 1 A person claiming to be ‘James Armour’ whilst using fake ID, paid a deposit to cover the hire of the following items: • Forst ST8 Chipper towable chipper serial number SA9ST800000283676, Engine number 1JV7054 • Kubota U-17 serial number 26233, Engine number 4FX0842 • Ifor Williams plant trailer serial number SCKD00000F0683067 The items were subsequently stolen. The telephone number he used was 07448 831255. On 9thMarch 2020, the following items were stolen overnight froma compound in Linton, near Wetherby, West Yorkshire. • NewHolland TM-165 • CASE CX130D • Barford Trailer The police unit NavCis has supplied the following information: We’ve been aware of a female in Sussex named Shelly Moran DoB 27/6/1990, who has been hiring plant and equipment, which ismoved on or stolen very quickly after hire. We are aware of two companies targeted in one day for mini excavators. Lancashire Police has informed us that they are investigating a group of offenders believed to be responsible for hiring and stealing plant machinery. The recent names used to hire themachinery are MatthewRowe, Steven Redfern and Thomas Howard with the latest offence carried out on 7th February 2020. Variousmobile numbers have been used. While they appreciate hires aren’t likely to arranged in the near future, please could companies bear these names inmind. If any attempts aremade, please do not disclose knowledge and consider contacting DC 3774 Dave Kerfoot or PC 3582 KeironWilliams to discuss possible disruptionmethods. The CPA was contacted by Thames Valley Police regarding a 50l Silver line compressor which was recovered. If this is something you can help with, please get in touch. A 2007 Hitachi ZX17U-2 was stolen froma railway access point in Outward Lane, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4NL between 8th - 16th February 2020. Themachine’s serial number is HCM1MS00 J00010568. Coloured orange and grey, it features branding and contact details for L&W Contractors. Over recent weeks there has been amarked increase in plant and tool theft fromboth 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 onmeasures 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 of 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 gangsmay 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 ismoving 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.” David Smith concluded: “With all sectors working together, we will have a better chance of preventing crime during this time.” “The Coronavirus ‘lockdown’ hasmeant that it’s currently ‘open season’ for criminal gangs who target construction plant” commented NickMayell, 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 ownmachines - sites have closed overnight - in the blink of an eye - and the thieves are having a field day.” NickMayell added: “The shifting of kit has also becomemuch easier as trucks and vans aremoving freely during the lockdown where car travel is restricted to ‘essential’.” Construction Plant Theft increases During the Coronavirus Pandemic Coronavirus [COVID-19] Theft Prevention Guidance CanTrack has produced a document in light of the Coronavirus [COVID-19] pandemic regarding securing plant during the current lockdown, particularly for plant which has remained on construction sites which have closed. If you are interested in this, then please visit https://www.cantrack.com/covid-19/