CESAR success

23 February 2024

Data presented at a meeting of stakeholders organised by the (CEA) Construction Equipment Association to discuss developments relating to its CESAR security scheme showed a significant increase in the recovery of stolen assets following the involvement of the National Construction & Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT). 

NCATT’s participation significantly strengthens the scheme's operational and strategic capabilities. Spearheaded by Superintendent Andy Huddleston from Northumbria Police, the team brings together officers from across the country, each with specialised knowledge in combating theft within the construction and agricultural sectors. 

At the recent meeting hosted by CEA member Nylacast in Leicester, the CESAR scheme’s current status and future direction was discussed by NCATT members, police units and new donors, signalling a broadening of support beyond the traditional backing from insurance companies. 

Among the first-time attendees was David Smith from the CPA, who discussed organising CITS (Combined Industries Theft Solutions) training for the Police; Mark Bradshaw from HAE focusing on tools and small equipment; and John Mussett from CanTrack alongside Clive Wain and Steve Whittaker from Tracker, both companies specialising in tracking devices and systems.

NCATT figures for 2023 show that the total value of recoveries for the year stood at £6,212,875 across 499 instances, a significant rise from £2,303,000 in 2022. The data highlighted the recovery of agricultural and construction plant, ATVs/UTVs, cars, vans, caravans, and trailers alongside the execution of 22 specialist vehicle examinations across the UK, support for 21 pre-planned policing and multi-agency operations, and engagement in four ports operations over six days.

Additionally, the meeting covered the scheme's educational impact, with 11 days of training provided to 593 officers, participation in five national industry shows and the facilitation of a ministerial briefing in Parliament, culminating in six hours of parliamentary debate.

The figures also shed light on the success of international recoveries since the UK left the EU, with 2023 marking recoveries of equipment worth £921,200 across 28 instances.

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