CEA-funded police training has delivered a clear operational result after officers used knowledge gained at a recent CITS event to help identify stolen surveying equipment during a search linked to a burglary investigation.
The case came to light following a message of thanks from PC Will Durant, Ops Command Intelligence Officer, who contacted those involved in the training to explain how officers had put what they had learned into practice.
Officers had recently attended a CITS police training event in Sussex, supported by the CEA (Construction Equipment Association). CITS (Combined Industries Theft Solutions) is an industry-led group that brings together businesses, police and security specialists to tackle theft in sectors where high-value equipment is regularly targeted by criminals.
Its police training events are designed to give officers practical knowledge of plant, agricultural machinery, surveying equipment, trailers, attachments and tools, so they can recognise suspicious equipment, understand its value and know how to check it properly.
Soon after the Sussex event, officers were involved in an investigation linked to a suspected travelling organised crime group and a burglary in Kent. During a subsequent search, they found surveying equipment. Because of the recent training, they recognised that it could be significant and raised it with colleagues for further checks.
PC Chrissy Davidson then carried out further checks with the company in the Republic of Ireland, confirming that the equipment had been stolen in July last year. Its value was estimated at around £30,000 to £40,000.
The value matters, but the stronger point is what happened before the equipment was identified. Officers had received practical, industry-led training. They understood that surveying equipment can be expensive, portable and attractive to criminals. They knew it was worth a closer look.
In his message, PC Durant said that without the CITS event, officers may not have given the equipment a second look.
That is the proof point for the CEA’s continued support for CITS police training. The training gives frontline officers and specialist police teams direct access to industry knowledge that can make a difference during searches, roadside checks, site visits and wider investigations.
Ian Elliott, Head of Security at Clancy Group, said the case was exactly the kind of result industry and police partners want to see.
“This is why CITS training matters,” said Ian. “It gives officers practical information they can use when they are out on the ground. In this case, the officers knew the surveying equipment was worth a proper look, and that knowledge made the difference.
“We talk a lot about partnership between industry and the police, but this is what it looks like in real terms. The training was delivered, the officers remembered it, and equipment that could easily have been missed was identified.”
Vincent Lane, a DATATAG ID’s Police Liaison & Training Officer, said: “This is fantastic news and a clear example of CITS training being put to good use. These events give officers practical knowledge they can apply during live investigations, and this result shows exactly why they matter.”
Dave Luscombe, CESAR Scheme Liaison at the CEA, said the incident showed the real meaning behind CESAR’s official status.
“This is a superb example of what we mean when we say the Official Scheme,” said Dave. “CESAR is about much more than marking and registration. It helps us fund this valuable training and creates the complete route from industry support and police training through to operational delivery.
“The CEA’s support for CITS training helps give officers the confidence to recognise plant, machinery and associated equipment, understand its value, and know what to do next. That is what gives the scheme strength in practice.”
Viki Bell, CEO of the CEA, said the case demonstrated why continued investment in police engagement is so important.
“This is a clear example of CEA-funded training making a difference during a live investigation. CITS training gives police officers the practical knowledge to recognise when something needs checking”, said Viki. “The officers involved were able to apply what they had learned, and that is exactly why this work matters.
“The CEA is proud to support this work because it helps officers on the ground, supports owners and hire companies, and strengthens the wider response to plant and equipment crime.”
The CEA said the case is one of many examples showing how CESAR, CITS training, Datatag technology, NCATT and police engagement work together to support equipment security.
For an industry where equipment is valuable, mobile and frequently targeted by criminals, the message is simple. Training matters. In this case, it meant stolen equipment was recognised, checked and not allowed to disappear again.