Datatag ID Ltd has been recognised with two prestigious honours at the recent International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) UK Conference, highlighting both the company’s technological innovation and the personal dedication of its team in the ongoing battle against vehicle crime.
Datatag’s RAPID (Registered Assets Police Information Database) web based search application was awarded the Alan Taylor Award for Outstanding Use of Technology in the Fight Against Vehicle Crime, while their long-serving Police Liaison and Training Manager Vince Lane, received the Peter Leigh Award for Outstanding Contribution to Vehicle Theft Prevention.
These accolades underline Datatag’s ongoing dedication in supporting police, insurers, and industry partners across the UK through advanced identification technology and hands-on collaboration.
The RAPID app, developed by Datatag in close partnership with UK law enforcement, is revolutionising how officers identify stolen assets. The secure web based application provides instant access to the CESAR, MicroCESAR, and Datatag motorcycle databases, allowing registered officers to check plant, agricultural machinery and motorcycles at the roadside within seconds using any of the available visual identifiers – even partial.
The system has already been instrumental in numerous recoveries, providing fast, reliable verification of ownership. The Alan Taylor Awardrecognises how RAPID has transformed police efficiency, removing traditional barriers to vehicle identification and giving frontline officers an accessible, powerful crime-fighting tool.
Datatag Managing Director Kevin Howells said:
“We’re immensely proud that RAPID has been recognised by IAATI. This award reflects years of development and close collaboration between Datatag and UK law enforcement. RAPID is making a real difference every day – helping officers identify stolen machinery quickly and easily, secure convictions, and return valuable assets to their rightful owners.”
Alongside the company’s technological success, Vince Lane was personally honoured with the Peter Leigh Award, celebrating his outstanding contribution to vehicle theft prevention and investigation.
A former police officer, Vince has worked tirelessly across the UK to train hundreds in identifying stolen machinery and vehicles using Datatag technologies. His extensive experience and passion for supporting operational policing have made him a trusted partner to forces nationwide.
In presenting the award, IAATI praised Vince for his “exceptional dedication, professionalism, and impact on reducing vehicle theft through education and partnership.”
Vince commented:
“It’s an incredible honour to receive this recognition from IAATI. My work is driven by the same goal that unites all of us—to disrupt criminal networks, protect honest businesses, and make a real difference in tackling theft. It’s a privilege to continue supporting officers across the country in using technology like RAPID to achieve that.”
As theft tactics become increasingly sophisticated, Datatag continues to provide the tools, training, and technology needed to stay one step ahead. The recognition from IAATI UK serves as both a proud milestone and a reminder of what can be achieved when technology and policing expertise combine in pursuit of a shared mission: reducing vehicle crime and protecting livelihoods across the UK.
Image: Pete Wilson, Datatag PLT, accepts the Peter Leigh Award on behalf of Vince Lane
Datatag ID Limited 