Plant & equipment theft, is now at all time high
UK plant theft is at an all-time high, according to new research1 by leading GPS vehicle tracker installer, Trackershop. Statistics show that while plant and tool theft grew by 50% in the first few months of the pandemic, construction businesses are continuing to face increased levels of theft, with less than 10% of plant machinery ever recovered, if not fitted with a tracker.
Trackershop say they have seen enquiries for trackers increase by 80% in the last 12 months, and believe that machinery theft is now more of a threat than before the pandemic, with the problem showing little sign of decline. In a further survey, they say that more than two-thirds of their customers think machinery theft is more of a problem than before the pandemic.
Rather than relying on law enforcement and ineffective security measures, they say plant owners are now safeguarding their equipment with sophisticated state-of-the-art tracker technology. According to Trackershop owner, Shaun Carse, “some reports claim more than £400 million worth of machinery is stolen in the UK every year – events have created a perfect storm, giving organised crime gangs more opportunity and impetus to target construction sites…”
The events he refers to include supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine, a shortage of construction workers, extreme weather events, project delays, the cost of living crisis and increased costs of materials and equipment.
Overall, it’s estimated that UK construction industry loses more than £800 million per year, taking into account associated costs, including cost of plant replacement, hire of replacement equipment, loss of business and increased insurance premiums.
Shaun Carse says: “Plant machinery is hugely expensive, easy to sell for profit and, historically, has been difficult to track and recover. Thefts within the sector are seen as relatively low risk due to the pitifully small percentage of equipment ever recovered.” He reveals that while theft has a detrimental effect on all businesses, it affects small to medium-sized enterprises the worst, leaving them ‘struggling to survive’.
While theft is on the increase, there are a number of steps that construction companies can follow to help reduce the risk of plant theft. They include:
Increased security
Install gates, locks, fencing, CCTV and motion lights, and consider employing a night-time security guard. Lock away equipment, tools and machinery when not in use, inside secure containers or storage units, if possible. Regularly review, assess and update security measures to keep one step ahead of the thieves.
Up-to-date inventory
Mark or label tools, machinery and equipment with unique identification marks or numbers; photograph or video your property; and keep an up-to-date inventory of all assets. This makes it more likely your property will be returned to you, if stolen.
Track equipment
Fit machinery and vehicles with GPS trackers and register with such schemes as CESAR. Some trackers have inbuilt immobilisation, notifying the owner immediately if the item is moved and allowing the machinery to be immobilised remotely from the tracking app. Many customers implement this when leaving plant on-site or in storage unattended. The tracker activates an immediate response and, with advanced technology, is rapidly becoming the most effective way to combat plant theft.
Educate workers
Ensure all workers are aware of their responsibilities for security and have been trained in security measures. Make one person on-site responsible for site security and keep in touch with them regularly.
Have the right cover in place
Talk to your insurance broker to ensure you are correctly insured, with the right level of cover in place. As the cost of materials and equipment continues to rise, you may find your existing policy doesn’t cover the cost of replacement.
Our business is your protection, which means we can advise on the level of cover you need to have in place and take a look at your existing policy to make sure it provides the right level of protection. It’s important to advise us of any changes that have taken place or if you have additional plant that requires cover. In the event you need to make a claim, we offer a full claims support service and will work hard on your behalf, liaising with insurers and loss adjusters, to ensure we reach a speedy, satisfactory settlement.
To discuss your insurance, advise us of any changes, obtain a quotation, or make a claim, please call the team at TMD on 01992 703 300 or email us at insurance@nlig.co.uk
Sources
plantandcivilengineer.com: Plant and machinery theft continues to rise
allianz.co.uk: Plant theft is at an all-time high: Here are five ways to reduce the risk