TRACKER helps recover stolen forklift truck in less than 4 hours
(08/09/2010)

With 95 per cent of stolen plant vehicles remaining unrecovered every year, the demand for effective plant security is higher than ever. TRACKER played a key role in finding a forklift after it was stolen from Thurrock Hospital in Essex and left at a nearby farm.

Hertfordshire Police worked in conjunction with TRACKER to identify the location of the stolen plant equipment. A speedy recovery was made in less than four hours by activating the TRACKER device fitted to the forklift truck. A total of five arrests were made, and three other suspected stolen plant vehicles were found.

“When we received a phone call from the hirers at Thurrock Hospital alerting us of the theft, we notified TRACKER straight away”, said Becky Turner, Sweeper Division Controller at MAP Plant Ltd. “The TRACKER contact was very helpful, and managed the situation extremely well. He told me that the TRACKER device had been activated and that he would keep me updated on the progress of the recovery. Less than four hours later, we were notified by TRACKER that Hertfordshire police had located the truck on a nearby farm and made five arrests.”

“I was so impressed with the overall service by TRACKER”, continues Ms Turner. “Working in conjunction with the police they successfully recovered not only our truck, but three other suspected stolen vehicles. We have fitted at least 10 machines fitted with TRACKER devices and would recommend any plant hiring company, or indeed anyone with a valuable vehicle to invest in a TRACKER device. The security and service they provide is worth much more than the cost of the equipment.”

Stuart Chapman, Police relationship manager of TRACKER adds: “In this particular case, the vehicle in question was found in a nearby farm yard, along with three other vehicles suspected to be stolen. A case like this demonstrates how TRACKER goes far beyond the basic capabilities of the system, but by the service that the TRACKER team and the police provides. It really is essential for plant hire companies to take extra measures in securing their vehicles. Doing this can reduce insurance costs and increase the likelihood of a stolen vehicle being recovered.”

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