Police tackle plant theft 131

DC Elliott explained "Every day we check what has been stolen throughout the country and identify hotspots. Very quickly, south-west London, Doncaster and Essex were identified so it had an instant effect. We could see that there are three specific teams who are out there."

"A loss adjuster had intelligence that a piece of kit worth £250,000, which was stolen in London earlier this year, was being exported to Poland. We spoke to our colleagues there and identified it via photographs. A week later they said 'yes, we have it' and it was seized by the Polish police," he says.

"It isn't just through police reports – we've gone to all the insurance companies and asked for a list of things that had been reported stolen. We are seeing the majority of the stuff that is being genuinely reported to an insurance company hasn't been recorded on the police computer because, pre-Cesar, it was hard to identify. This is a one-stop shop."

One of the policemen focuses on the database and the other two will be out making arrests. The centre is London-based, but the police are working with local constabularies nationwide to talk to them about the unit. DC Elliott is still working hard to promote Cesar, which will help police track and identify. He comments "We are going to local authorities and the Highways Agency to say 'if you are putting out to tender any contracts then Cesar should be standard'.

"There are quite a few councils signed up. It's not just public contracts – it is also when they are buying in their own equipment. I would love an officer down in Southampton docks. If I can get funding, an officer can assist with all the international and shipping enquiries. The majority of telehandlers stolen are going to eastern Europe. They are developing and have a huge demand for equipment out there."