THE Construction Equipment Association (CEA), together with key industry stakeholders including the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and insurance companies such as NFU Mutual, has committed a substantial investment, totalling £650,000 over the next three years, to the fight against machinery theft.
The funding aims to advance the goals of the CEA’s CESAR Scheme and allocated to boost the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) and the National Construction & Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT).
CEA CEO Suneeta Johal said, “The escalating issue of machinery theft across our country not only disrupts the operational efficiency of businesses but also poses a significant threat to the broader construction sector and rural communities. The allocated funds are dedicated to advancing the goals and objectives of the CESAR Scheme, significantly enhancing its capabilities in combating the theft of plant machinery and agricultural equipment.
“Our forthcoming financial contribution to the NRCU and NCATT, set to be formally announced in January, reflects our commitment to safeguarding the industry’s assets and its future. We are confident that this concerted effort will lead to substantial progress in curbing criminal activities related to equipment theft.”
Johal stressed the need for ongoing support and collaboration with governmental bodies to address this challenge.
“Maintaining a strong, united front against such criminal activities is imperative,” she added. “Our contribution signifies our resolve to protect the industry, and we trust that our collective efforts will result in a safer, more secure operating environment for all involved.”
This move by the CEA and its partners is said to underline a shared understanding of the need for enhanced security measures and proactive initiatives to tackle the problem of machinery theft.
In a recent address at the Home Office question time, Greg Smith MP continued his advocacy against rural crime, particularly focusing on the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU). He queried home secretary James Cleverly MP on further steps to empower the NRCU in tackling sophisticated criminal gangs.
Greg Smith MP said, “Serious organised acquisitive crime is hitting rural communities hard with high-value agricultural equipment targeted for theft. Recently, the National Rural Crime unit has recovered over £5 million of stolen equipment, nearly £1 million of which was recovered abroad. The Construction Plant-hire Association, NFU Mutual, and The Construction Equipment Association have put significant funds into the NRCU, but what more can my Right Honourable Friend do to ensure the National Rural Crime Unit has the resources they need to tackle these serious organised criminal gangs?”
Responding to the concerns, James Cleverly MP said, “I thank my Rt Honourable Friend for the work that he’s done in this area, including his private member’s bill. He’s absolutely right that the rural communities of this country need to be supported, and they will be. Driving down rural crime is an important area of work. We provided £200,000 of funding to help set up the National Crime Rural Crime Unit. I and he and others in this House understand the terrible impact this has, and we will continue to work with the rural police forces to drive down this issue.”
Suneeta Johal concluded, “The recent statements from members of parliament resonate perfectly with our proactive approach at the CEA, alongside the CPA and NFU Mutual. Our role in managing the police fund, marked by significant contributions to the NRCU and NCATT, reflects our industry’s dedication to tackling machinery theft. This collaboration between key industry bodies and government initiatives represents a comprehensive strategy, not just in protecting the construction and agricultural sectors but in safeguarding the broader rural communities across the UK. It’s a testament to our collective commitment to addressing these challenges head-on.”
