CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > November 2020 17 PLANT THEFT: 2 NaVCIS and Balfour Beatty present to West Yorkshire’s Roads Crime Team In early October, NaVCIS (National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Police Service), and fellow CITSmember Balfour Beatty gave a presentation to West Yorkshire’s Roads Crime Team. The presentation highlighted the issues currently surrounding agricultural and construction equipment theft; together with an explanation of how CESAR (the Construction & Agricultural Equipment Security and Registration) Scheme can help improve security and prevent theft. It covered the indicators that all officers should be looking for when out on patrol and an update on the current intelligence situation surrounding machine and plant theft. Tool theft from Vans It was recently reported that there have been 28,681 reports of tool theft from vans in 2019. The highest number where 30% of all reported thefts were in London, with 27% in the North West coming second. Members should remind their staff to keep their vehicles secure and wherever possible, mitigate any opportunity thieves may have in getting into the vehicle. Depot Security and Deliveries This is a very difficult subject to address all scenarios, so the advice given must be generic as it very much depends on the type of depot, the location, and for example, the current security measures in place. To obtain a comprehensive view of any security weaknesses, we would always recommend a full security survey by a reputable and experienced company. To assist the reader, we have drafted a simple 12 point guide which may act as a benchmark on their existing security protocols. 1. Separate internal cages for small tools and expensive items, such as survey equipment. 2. Ground bolts for roller shutters. 3. Rising anti-ram rain bollards placed in front of the entrances or on the perimeter. 4. High quality CCTV, with a geo-fence capability - dependent on location and layout - to minimise false alarms. 5. Fogging and strobe lights to disorientate offenders, if they breach the building. 6. Secure the perimeter - importantly free of climbing aides either outside or within the compound. 7. Secure entrances to premises at all times to prevent opportunist theft. 8. Do not store small tools and other items near to entrances to prevent opportunist theft. 9. For deliveries: • Question the location - is it a site? • Is the equipment requested appropriate for the location? • Do not drop off the plant or equipment at the location unless you can verify the identity of those receiving it. 10. Do not take an order based on a mobile phone number only. 11. Verify the customer’s company address to ensure it is bona fide before releasing the plant or equipment. 12. If any of your hire desk personnel are unsure on any security problem, then they should be encouraged to speak to a Manager or colleague and obtain their opinion and correct course of action. This list is essentially endless and this along with any advice given, would always be tailored to the company, the depot, the location and all the needs of the client. This article was drafted by John Bateman of P&D Investigations Ltd (Est. 1994). Full members of The IPI (THE Institute of Professional of Professional Investigators) & EPIC (Ex Police in Commerce). Specialising in surveillance, security and investigations to the hire industry. www.johnbateman.co.uk +44 (0) 1707 371 144 +44 (0) 7774 868 648