Plant and equipment theft prevention guide

TER said the guide details a significant number of crime reducing measures, many of which are free and which should be incorporated into every owner's, hirer's and contractor's standard operating procedures.

"This advice is based on our joint experience of criminal operating procedures in the UK and USA," said Tim Purbrick, manager of TER. "Our aim in providing this advice is to deter, deny and detect equipment thieves in order to reduce the costs of equipment theft and increase the recovery rate for stolen equipment."

According to a recent report from TER, a record £43 million worth of machinery and equipment was stolen from construction, agricultural and other industrial sites last year.

In 2005, reported tractor thefts rose 70%, quad bikes by 62%, dumpers by 54%, breakers by 42%, rollers by 41% and fork lift trucks by 38%. Trailer theft rose 24%.

The guide can be downloaded free of charge from the TER website - se link above/right.