CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > May 2021 19 PLANT THEFT PLANT THEFT: 1 In the last two years, there has been a growing concern by CITS members about the effectiveness of Action Fraud. This concern is in two parts. The first is that when the local constabulary is contacted by the member to report a fraud, the police redirect the member to Action Fraud, and is informed that this is where the crime should be reported. This redirection is due to current Home Office guidance, which the police must follow. The second is when incidents are reported to Action Fraud, there is a lack of confidence that Action Fraud will refer the matter to a particular force, who will then investigate it. One (unverified) online report has suggested that only 3% of complaints to Action Fraud result in charges, meaning that one in 200 victims see the scammers convicted. From this low conviction rate, any fines or penalties which are imposed by the courts on the perpetrators, are unfortunately not re- invested into Action Fraud’s resources but redirected to HM Treasury. Consequently, a letter has been sent by CITS to Kit Malthouse, Minister for Crime and Policing at the Home Office, requesting additional resources be given to Action Fraud, but also an assurance that police investigations will commence on fraud reports which are submitted by the public. Three MPs who raised similar concerns with the Home Office during Parliamentary sessions, have also been contacted to help raise industry’s concerns. Members will be updated on any response CITS receives. Action Fraud Scam Phone Calls There has been a recent report of calls being received claiming to be fromHMRevenue and Customs (HMRC). Automated voicemails were left that were quite threatening and intimidating, stating there would be a warrant issued for the individual’s arrest. Two numbers which we became aware of are: 07414 576609 and 07465 490934 . HMRC would never send an individual a text message asking for monies or personal details. If you receive this type of call/ message, then you should contact Action Fraud. Joint Operation Recovers 3 JCB Machines CITS partner NAVCIS, working with Interpol and two other UK police forces, intercepted three stolen JCBmachines on 18th April 2021. They were discovered in the back of a foreign HGV, which was travelling across Europe. The items, valued at £90,000, are being returned to the owner. Arrests have beenmade and investigations are ongoing. CITS Theft Guidance As part of the Combined Industries Theft Solutions (CITS), the CPA has helped develop the guidance document to assist companies in collating the necessary information in the event of plant/vehicle theft. This simple two-page guide addresses the relevant information the police/insurer will require. A copy has been circulated to CPA members, but may also be found on the CITS website at www.cits.uk.com or on the CPA website at www.cpa.uk.net/cits-combined-industries-theft-solutions Thefts and Frauds Since the last CPA Bulletin there have been several thefts perpetrated against member companies. • JCB Dumper stolen froma site inWest Bridgford, Nottinghamshire on 19thMarch 2021. • A blue SkyJack SJ4626 Scissor Lift (Serial No. 7001129) has been missing sincemid-March. It was last contracted to at Claydons Farm in Stratford-upon-Avon. • A Kubota U10-3 and a Hinowa HS701 was stolen froma site in Henley-on-Thames on 6th April 2021. • A 1-tonne High-TipMecalac Dumper SK8717 was stolen from Castleford on 9th April 2021.