Why construction plant theft is still a problem

Some theft is spontaneous and occurs because of an opportunity that’s suddenly presented, such as an unattended van with doors left open revealing tools.  However, much construction related theft is premeditated, especially where larger items of machinery and equipment are concerned. Some criminals even make a ‘career’ from the theft and resale of construction plant. After illegally acquiring the equipment, arrangements are made for it to be rapidly exported and sold abroad, either in its existing state or for parts. Alternatively the stolen items may be hidden in shipping containers or storage units until it’s possible to move them to foreign soil. Once equipment has left the UK it becomes very difficult to locate and repatriate. According to CESAR (the UK’s Official Construction Equipment Security and Registration Scheme), as little as 5% of unregistered plant is recovered ³.

Demand for equipment is currently at a high, with construction and earthmoving machinery sales rising by 75% in 2021 compared to the previous year ⁴. Demand is so high that some manufacturers of construction and agricultural equipment are running extensive recruitment drives; JCB has increased its shop floor workforce by more than 25% since March 2020, commenting that most new machines were sold out for the next six months.5 Some reports have cited major infrastructure projects, including HS2, as a factor in the increased demand for telehandlers and larger machines. However, demand has also largely been driven by many construction projects starting or resuming following the lifting of lockdown restrictions, as the economy starts to recover.

The UK has recently experienced widespread supply chain disruption across many sectors, and the construction industry is no exception. A combination of the Covid-19 pandemic, border closures and Brexit-related checks and administration for imports and exports have all contributed to the issue. These supply chain shortages, coupled with high demand has resulted in a buoyant market for construction machinery and equipment; and criminals are taking advantage.

In the wake of the pandemic and a time of financial instability , some businesses remain cautious about investing in new machinery. This, plus longer lead times for new stock, has driven up demand for used equipment.  Auctions, whether face to face or online, are a popular way to sell used construction plant and so provide criminals with an easy and lucrative means of unloading their stolen assets. Euro Auctions, a Leeds auction site reported that 40,000 lots were sold in 2021, amounting to £260m ⁶  .

It’s suspected that the easing of travel restrictions following the various lockdown periods is a factor in rising theft cases. This has made it easier for criminals to transport items to overseas markets. Police have warned that crime and theft could rise in rural areas due to increased movement of individuals.

There are a number of measures that can be put in place to reduce the risk of construction plant theft.

• Ensure that unattended equipment is kept securely in a padlocked compound, building or container
• Remove any ignition keys and immobilise equipment
• Install perimeter fencing (either Heras, chain link, metal mesh or palisade fencing).
• Install controlled entry and exit systems on sites, such as turnstiles, swipe cards and fingerprint recognition systems
• Where possible, appoint security guards to monitor the site when unattended/ overnight
• Ensure the site is well lit to discourage unauthorised visitors
• Install CCTV, security cameras and alarm systems
• Take regular inventory of equipment
• Consider checking equipment with the National Plant and Equipment Register
• Ensure staff are trained in security measures and practices.

For individuals hiring out equipment, it's recommended to:

• check the hirer's identity can be verified via at least two separate documents bearing trading name and contact details
• carry out credit checks
• ensure the hirer has a valid insurance policy covering their liability in the event of loss damage