ACTION TO BEAT THE THIEVES

So far encouraging progress has been made by the organisation's three sub-groups working closely together. If the solution to plant theft was as easy to accomplish as switching a light switch off, then we would have done it long ago. Unfortunately it isn't.

Tackling the problems linked to plant theft is like a jigsaw puzzle, each part, big or small, is vital and everyone has their part to play.

Unlike car theft, where there are organised and casual criminals at work, plant theft is almost solely the work of organised criminals.

To improve security of plant and equipment manufacturers are now being challenged to adopt the following measures as standard:

l Identification by use of VIN numbers, together with registration with one of the industry's registrative bodies.

l Immobilisation by mechanical or electronic means (or both)

l Elimination of the single key

l The incorporation of covert markings

l Preventing entry to the machine (where applicable)

Adopting security measures as standard has been shown to work in cars, light commercial vehicles and heavy goods vehicles. It creates a virtuous circle.

By adopting security as standard, insurance premiums or penalties start to fall as do costs to industry. Security, installed as standard, becomes a way of life - and a key part of product marketing.

To match success achieved in the car industry, the plant industry needs to change its fundamental approach.

All three groups of the Plant Theft Action Group unanimously agree that the security measures mentioned earlier should be adopted - albeit progressively.

In particular the group agrees that the single key approach must be eliminated. While acknowledging that this will cause some anxiety this action is regarded as a fundamental move in improving security. It is a vital piece of the jigsaw.

Operators and hirers within the group openly admit that the unique key works for transit vans and they believe it can work for plant.

The next move sought by the PTAG is a collective decision by its members as to whether the industry should insist security equipment is fitted as standard on its equipment.

By August a group announcement is likely to state that the plant industry requests manufacturers to adopt security as standard on equipment.

Furthermore, a security rating scheme should be in place which will differentiate between good and bad security. Similar to that already used for cars and light commercial vehicles the rating will affect the terms offered by insurers.

l For information on issues addressed by the PTAG's owners and hirers group visit Stand 91 in the Pavilion at SED '97.