Member Article

Businesses should review security after machinery thefts surge

Businesses are being advised by Henderson Insurance Brokers in Teesside to carry out “root and branch reviews” of security procedures, including beefing up anti-theft measures, in the wake of an increase in thefts of plant and machinery.

Henderson Insurance Brokers, based in Stockton, has, during the past 12 months, experienced a “substantial” increase in the number of calls to report thefts of machinery ranging from fork lift trucks and cherry pickers to JCBs and tools.

Two of the worst cases were a farmer who had £20,000 worth of machinery and tools stolen recently and £30,000 worth of kit being taken from a construction site.

Owners of sites that are isolated have reported the highest number of incidents, which has led to the insurance brokerage urging an urgent tightening up of security procedures and processes.

Jonathan Willett, Director at Henderson Insurance Brokers Teesside office, said such business owners are playing a “game of chance” by leaving sites inadequately secured, plant machinery and equipment on show, and containers that thieves can relatively easily break into.

Mr Willett said: “All such businesses should make sure that sites are adequately secured in the first instance as this is usually a condition of their insurance policy.

“It’s advisable to have a top down review of security on site and to tighten up areas that are found wanting.

“Due to their relative isolation, farms are regularly under the greatest threat from theft. Schemes such as Farm Watch, which is similar to Neighbourhood Watch, do help and it’s worth joining such initiatives as it’s important that sites are monitored.

“It’s important that as well as undertaking a security audit, site owners have adequate levels of insurance as well as a comprehensive risk management policy.”

He added: “Many insurance companies are now starting to insist on the installation of tracking devices on more expensive pieces of machinery and equipment. Making sites more secure with better CCTV or other monitoring systems will also help, as will more secure storage.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Recognition PR Business Team .