Beware: Cloning of Plant Machinery

According to the latest figures released by PANIU (The Plant & Agricultural National Intelligence Unit), cloning of plant machinery still remains a common method used by criminals. The latest PANIU Report (Jan-March 2017) reveals that PANIU recovered 14 cloned dumpers this quarter from across the UK.
Criminals effectively remove the whole identity of the stolen machine and replace it with the identity of another machine which may be in the UK or overseas. The criminals have the serial/chassis number, engine and axle numbers of the other machine. In some cases, thieves will steal the actual serial number plate from the other machine, but serious and organised criminals often have the facilities and know-how to devise copies of the original manufacturer’s serial number plate and fix it on to the chassis of the stolen machine so it is identical in appearance. The same is carried out with engine and axle plates and stamped-in chassis numbers are ground out, welded and re-stamped with the chassis number of the other machine. Machines are often given a fresh coat of paint prior to disposal.
PANIU have been gathering intelligence on methods used by criminal gangs, and it is clear that criminals are becoming more sophisticated in the ways that they steal and dispose of machinery. For many of the criminal gangs stealing machinery is their primary source of income, often traded for drugs or weapons, and being used as an alternative to cash.
AMI Group protects plant machinery across the UK with a range of tracking devices to ensure they can be swiftly recovered in the event of theft. We offer a range of tracking systems – from wireless, battery operated units which have a battery life of up to 20 years and can be transferred from machine to machine in minutes, to wired-in fleet management solutions which can not only locate stolen equipment, but also help reduce business costs and fuel consumption by strategic management and monitoring of fleet activities.