Digger thieves caught red-handed

TRACKER, the UK leader in stolen vehicle recovery, has played a key role in helping Avon & Somerset Police locate a stolen mini digger. Residents on a Gloucestershire housing estate got a real surprise recently when the local police force’s helicopter began hovering above workmen excavating a back garden. However, the two thieves using the stolen mini digger and its trailer had an even bigger surprise when they were caught red handed.

The criminal’s had fallen foul off a cross-border police operation, making use of technical support from TRACKER. Fortunately, the digger and trailer had been fitted with a TRACKER system, which allowed the police to go straight to the culprits.

Sergeant Tony Moore, from Avon & Somerset, Road Policing Tactical Crime Unit, says, “The information we received from TRACKER was instrumental in helping us locate the stolen digger and trailer. This case is a fine example of inter-force co-operation and the value of our partnership with TRACKER. Plant theft is sometimes seen as an easy crime for criminals as they are often stored on vast sites and not manufactured with unique ignition keys. However, the arrest of two local men sends a clear message to thieves that we are on their case.”

Stuart Chapman, Police Relationship Manager for TRACKER, concludes, “In 2008 we recovered nearly £2.5million worth of plant equipment with 54% valued at less than £10,000, demonstrating the very real risk of plant theft to business. In this case, the owners were lucky as our relationship with all 52 police forces in the UK was essential to finding the digger. We continue to work side-by-side with the police, using unique Very High Frequency technology to help crack down on plant theft.”

For TRACKER Stolen Vehicle Recovery product and pricing information please visit TRACKER.co.uk