Construction businesses need to ramp up security on plant machinery
(31/03/2009)

As the recession continues to bite, thieves are targeting low value construction items. By the close of 2008, Tracker assisted the police in recovering assets to the value of over £400million, resulting in over 1,800 arrests. 54 percent of plant recoveries were valued at £10,000 or less. With this in mind Tracker urges businesses to ramp up security on plant machinery.

Tracker’s highest value recoveries include a Caterpillar 320 Excavator worth £70,000, a JCB 3CX backhoe loader and a Manitou MT 1740 telehandler, both weighing in at £50,000 each.

Bill Raynal, Managing Director for Tracker, comments, “In 2008, Tracker recovered nearly £2.5million worth of plant equipment, but businesses would be mistaken to think that they only need to look after their highest value items. Despite being a relatively low cost item, the Ifor Williams trailer was top of the list for thieves, while we also saw an increase in quad bike thefts. Our figures show that criminals aren’t picky with everything from woodchippers to catering trailers being recovered in 2008.”

Tracker stolen vehicle recovery systems work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several places around the asset. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there. The tracking device works even if the asset is hidden in a container or underground, offering plant owners the ultimate in peace of mind should the worst happen.

“It is clear that the current economic climate is pushing criminals to take anything they can get their hands on,” concludes Bill Raynal. “Hard times mean that businesses can’t afford to make it easy for plant thieves, so we urge them to do everything they can to protect their assets.”