Avoiding Plant Machinery Theft
December 13, 2020
Heavy & Small Plant for Hire, Competitively Priced Mini Excavators, Dumpers, Skid Steers & Rollers
Planning & Building Control Today [PCBToday] published an article earlier this year, highlighting a phenomenon which has been exacerbated by the global pandemic. Everybody concerned condemns the theft of plant machinery and tools [apart from the thieves of course!]. Theft of plant machinery etc from sites has increased enormously in the last year thanks to Covid 19. It has been reported that this year has seen roughly a 50% rise in raids on vehicles and construction sites since the start of the pandemic. These occurrences are not only upsetting, but can cause significant financial loss and hardship. Projects may have to be put on hold or contracts lost.
Construction sites have been left more vulnerable also at times due to the virus, with work postponed because of lockdowns, and no security staff around. Police have seen a higher incidence of criminal activity in these areas. Organised gangs haven’t failed to notice the tempting sight of valuable machinery left unprotected. Mini Diggers, Skidsteers, Dumpers, Rollers worth thousands of pounds, represent rich pickings for light fingered individuals. Expensive plant machinery from leading names like Kubota, Thwaites and Bobcat have state of the art anti theft systems, but other brands are simpler to steal.
Nick Mayell, Datatag’s CESAR Police training and liaison officer said at the time: “The Coronavirus ‘lockdown’ has meant that it’s currently ‘open season’ for criminal gangs who target construction plant. “Whereas a company would normally ‘wind-down’ for seasonal closures by ‘off-hiring’ kit and moving their own machines – sites have closed overnight – in the blink of an eye – and the thieves are having a field day.”
Companies are being advised to relocate plant machinery and tools from sites, but what is the best alternative? All of these quandaries pale into insignificance once you decide to hire your heavy and small plant. At Rhinos Plant Hire you will find modern, high performance machines, tools and equipment guaranteeing a reliable solution for building projects in places like Hertford.
