News

Neighbourhood Watch report Kent Police are working with the construction, farming, insurance, security and transport industries, as well as the public, to reduce the theft of heavy machinery.

It is part of a major drive to stop specialist gangs stealing the valuable equipment from building sites, farms and lay-bys.

They are also asking people to be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious, like mechanical diggers being moved in the middle of the night. People should call the police on 999 if a crime is in progress.

Heavy machinery includes excavators, forklift trucks, grass cutters, tractors, generators, cement mixers and road breakers. A single piece of equipment can cost as much as £300,000 which is why theft is increasing nationally as gangs target what they see as a lucrative source of cash.

As well as loss and disruption to the industry, the theft of heavy machinery can have a significant impact on the lives of the wider community.

Kent Police officers, and their national colleagues, are about to begin a series of concerted crime prevention and enforcement activity to disrupt the gangs that steal heavy machinery.

They are asking if you have big plant to engrave/mark it, log it - record all serial numbers etc, save it - deposit the serial numbers with your insurance company.

If you have the misfortune to loose any of the equipment make sure when you report it stolen to the Police you give them the make, colour and serial numbers.