May 2006 saw a major initiative in the campaign to stamp out crime in the construction industry when in excess of 20 companies were invited to tender to the Plant Theft Action Group to implement a unique security and registration scheme – a first for the sector. Datatag – the European market leader in security identity systems within the Motorcycle, ATV, Scooter, Trailers, Boats, IT, Cycle, Jet Ski and Construction & Plant sectors – underwent a rigorous tendering and selection process before a final submission to the Construction Equipment Association and was announced as the winning company in November 2006.
Despite the best efforts of security-conscious companies connected with the plant and construction industry, it is estimated that £70-£100 million worth of construction equipment is stolen each year in the UK alone. Victims of plant theft can and do incur considerable costs. Replacement of capital equipment can be a huge cost, but in addition, short-term hire is invariably required. Increased insurance premiums are inevitable and loss of productivity and consequent time lost on contracts can result in penalties.
Moving forward, radical and positive changes are about to take place, from April 2007 you can protect and register your equipment on the official Construction Equipment Security Registration scheme operated by Datatag. Each machine registered, will be protected by state-of-the-art identification technology including:
Glass Tag – Roughly the size of a grain of rice. It is easily installed and contains a unique permanently programmed code number.
Unique Plant Identification Plate – Each machine will be permanently fitted with two unique tamper-proof ID plates which carry a unique identification number.
Datatag DNA – Is a unique chemical DNA solution. Each piece of plant or machinery will be protected with an invisible unique DNA code. Datadots® – A superior microdot identification system developed for ease of use. Datadots can be applied to any surface, making it virtually impossible to locate and remove.
Datatag adheres to strict guideline set by IS0 9000-2000 and the Home Office and operates a secure 24 hour Call Centre. All equipment will be registered with the DVLA-Off-Road Register which allows the Police National Computer to be updated regularly.
Major insurers already support the scheme and are providing insurance premium discounts in excess of 15%, providing year-on-year savings for a one-off cost of the CESAR registration.
The CESAR Registration Scheme offers all plant and construction manufacturers, retailers and purchasers alike, a positive opportunity to stamp out crime. Key to this critical crime offensive is for Datatag to provide a single point of contact for the UK Police Forces. Don’t become a contributor to the £1million weekly loss. Datatag it – or lose it!
Datatag ID Limited 