Stolen plant police seek new recruits in fight against theft

The Plant and Agricultural National Intelligence Unit (PANIU) is urging more insurers to join the organisation to help it track down stolen equipment.

The police-led unit, currently backed by insurers including Allianz, Aviva and RSA, recovered 62 stolen plant vehicles worth £1.7m last year.

DC Ian Elliot, who heads the unit, said the operation had cost £200,000 to fund since it started in October 2008.

He said new insurers could help fund an increase in officers to intervene thieves and recover stolen plant equipment.

Allianz Engineering has said it will offer premium discounts of up to 45% and a reduction in theft excess for firms that beef up their plant protection security.

The reductions will be based on the Thatcham five-star security rating scheme, which includes the CESAR (construction equipment security and registration) scheme, unique key operation, immobilisation, site perimeter security and tracking devices.

Allianz Engineering’s underwriting and operations manager, Martin Ball, said: “Brokers can play a crucial role in detailing the risk of plant theft to their clients by providing itemised asset or plant registers, advising on appropriate security measures and explaining how these measures can now provide significant financial reward.”