Funding by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) Aids in Successful Recovery of Stolen Plant Equipment

Police Superintendent Andy Huddleston, who leads the National Rural Crime Unit and the National Construction & Agriculture Theft Team (NCATT), reports that funding from the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and other organisations is significantly contributing to the recovery of stolen plant equipment through plant tracking and work from the Police.

Late last year, the CPA committed £90,000 over three years to combat plant equipment theft and fraud, a significant issue costing the construction plant industry millions annually. Alongside contributions from the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), CESAR donors, and insurers, a total of £650,000 is funding NCATT. This specialist team of police officers operates nationwide to tackle theft by organised criminal groups.

Superintendent Huddleston highlighted a notable success: "We intercepted a lorry load of stolen plant before it could be shipped out of the country, recovering eight stolen machines, including six from an auction site in Yorkshire. This success directly results from the funding provided by the CPA, CEA, CESAR donors, and insurers. And we believe investment in tracking systems and other forms of trackable security can help prevent theft and stop this happening"

He added, "The newly established NCATT is making a substantial impact in recovering stolen plant equipment, which is increasingly prevalent. Up to April this year, we've recovered over £1.7M worth of stolen equipment, with total recoveries in 2023 exceeding £6.1M. Despite being a small unit, our efforts are making a significant difference, and I am grateful for the industry's essential support."

Global events, such as the conflict in Ukraine, have driven up demand for stolen goods, resulting in a 200% increase in the theft of construction and agricultural equipment in the UK. Before the war, 40-70 high-value machines were typically stolen per month. However, in a single month last year, over 200 machines were stolen nationwide, with monthly thefts exceeding 110 machines for the past 18 months.

The CPA also aids its members in recovering stolen equipment by disseminating information among its 1,900+ members. Recently, a stolen low loader full of equipment was successfully recovered within 24 hours after CPA members were notified, thanks to the vigilance of a fellow member.

CPA President Brian Jones commented, "It's excellent news that our funding is contributing to the recovery of stolen plant equipment, a significant issue causing immense financial loss, stress, and revenue disruption in our industry. With over 1,900 members, it's crucial that membership funds support their needs."

Jones further emphasized, "Theft and fraud have a substantial and increasingly detrimental impact on our members' businesses. Our £90,000 contribution to NCATT's work will provide immediate, tangible benefits in preventing and detecting criminal activity and recovering stolen plant-hire equipment."