Andy Huddleston, Head of the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT), has today received the King’s Police Medal from His Royal Highness Prince William at Windsor Castle.
The medal was awarded in the King’s New Year Honours in recognition of Andy’s distinguished service to policing, rural crime prevention and the fight against organised criminal groups targeting agricultural and construction machinery.
Formerly a Superintendent at Northumbria Police, Andy now leads NCATT and has played a key role in strengthening the national response to machinery and equipment theft. His work has brought police forces, industry bodies, manufacturers, hire companies, insurers and security partners closer together to improve prevention, identification and recovery.
The CEA supported Andy’s nomination alongside industry partners, including HAE, and others who have worked closely with him and NCATT over many years.
Viki Bell, CEO of the CEA, said: “This is a thoroughly deserved honour for Andy and a proud moment for everyone who has worked with him across the construction and agricultural machinery sectors.
“Andy has played a major role in bringing policing and industry closer together in the fight against equipment theft. Through NCATT, he has helped officers better understand how to identify stolen machinery and use the tools available to them when they are out on the ground.
“The CEA was pleased to support Andy’s nomination, and we are delighted to see his commitment, professionalism and leadership recognised through the King’s Police Medal.”
Mark Bradshaw, from HAE, said: “Andy’s recognition is incredibly well deserved. His work has made a real difference to the hire, construction and agricultural sectors, particularly in helping to improve the way machinery theft is understood, reported and tackled.
“Those of us who supported the nomination did so because we have seen first-hand the value of Andy’s work and the practical difference it has made. This honour recognises Andy’s personal commitment and the importance of strong partnerships between policing and industry.”
Andy Huddleston said: “It was a great surprise and privilege to receive the King’s Police Medal. I am very humbled and grateful to those who put me forward and supported the nomination.
“I have been very fortunate throughout my service to have worked with some outstanding people in policing, mountain rescue, academia and the farming and construction industries. This award is as much about those people as it is about me.”
The CEA also congratulates former Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Sam Rennison, who received the King’s Police Medal following 30 years’ service with Northumbria Police. Sam will be among the speakers at CECE Congress 2026, hosted by the CEA in London from 27–29 October.