Your Shout ConstructionWorX
Your Shout Equipment manufacturers need to do more to safeguard plant from increasingly sophisticated thieves according to DC Julian Crabb, PANIU National Liaison Manager
T DC Julian Crabb PANIU National Liaison Manager.
54 AUTUMN 2016
he CESAR system introduced in 2007 has dramatically changed the face of plant crime over the last decade. It has been embraced by manufacturers of plant and agricultural equipment not only within the United Kingdom but also across some parts of Europe. PANIU will always advocate any form of security system that will deter criminals. We believe that a multi-layer approach such as CESAR together with telematics, alarms, and keypads offer the best protection available. As a police investigatory unit it is often frustrating that some manufacturers choose not to invest in making their products as secure as possible and this position is clearly reflected in the theft statistics. The most targeted items of plant machinery are still small dumpers, rollers and mini excavators, and these particular items often have no viable security features. PANIU data shows that criminals target unprotected machinery as the risk of detection is low. Protected machinery is also much more difficult to dispose of as buyers have more options available to complete security checks. With the development of security systems for machinery, buyers do have the power to insist manufacturers take steps to ensure there investment is protected. PANIU are always willing to speak to manufacturers and stakeholders in order to advise on the most suitable methods to protect their product. I have now dealt with several industry victims who did not report their machinery as stolen, and this can cause serious problems when the machine is found. If the victim does not report the item as stolen and there is no crime report then the situation can turn into a civil dispute with a negative outcome for initial victim. It is imperative that any item of machinery that is stolen is reported to police, and crime reference number is obtained. Reporting the crime will assist the police in the progression of an investigation and potentially recovering your property. Organised criminal groups have ventured into new arenas such as the hire industry. They either invent bogus companies or they assume the identity of a legitimate company in order to secure deliveries of multiple pieces of equipment, often to the value of hundreds of thousands of pounds which are subsequently disposed of at the suspect’s leisure. PANIU are advising hire companies on practical measures to try and combat this type of crime. PANIU are the only national dedicated police unit
that takes ownership of plant and agricultural crime investigations from inception to completion of trial. We understand that being arrested and potentially convicted is an occupational hazard for career criminals, however PANIU will always where possible look to seize criminal assets such as cash, houses and vehicles from those convicted. The seizing of personal assets of convicted criminals greatly helps to make the theft of plant and agricultural crime less attractive, however we need to be mindful that offenders may turn their attention to alternative crime such as fraud. PANIU are actively investigating organised criminal groups, and have seized multiple machines over the past few months, disrupting activity, whilst restoring confidence within the industry. We cannot give any specific detail with regard to our investigations as they are ongoing, however PANIU do publish success stories regarding police prosecutions in our quarterly reports when appropriate. PANIU have been very busy over the last year raising awareness amongst police services across the United Kingdom in order to show officers what to look for whilst dealing with suspect machinery, and how to advise end users on how to protect their equipment. PANIU continues to gather intelligence and update police forces nationally of crime trends within their geographical areas. With contacts in every force area we are able to recognise emerging trends and take action to stop them developing any further. If you have any information regarding criminal activity then please contact PANIU. Our success is in no small part due to the effective partnership work we do within the industry such as CEA, AEA, HAE, CPA, Datatag, and Clancy Dowcra, to name a few. PANIU are fully funded by the insurance industry, and without their support we would not exist. I am very grateful that our donors continue to contribute to PANIU not just financially but also by being able to provide us with an insight into how the insurance industry deals with claims and the effects of crime upon their businesses. I would like to close this article with a clear message that PANIU takes crime seriously and we appreciate that plant and agricultural crime is not a victimless crime. The long lasting effects of crime have a direct impact on the livelihood of thousands of workers and companies across the United Kingdom and Europe. PANIU are here to make a difference, and we will always strive to reduce crime and bring offenders to justice. ■