JCB are stars of plant security
The fight against plant theft received a further boost today, as JCB became the first manufacturer to achieve a level of 3 stars, under Thatcham’s Agricultural and Plant security star rating scheme.
Thatcham’s star rating scheme, which was launched in March this year, provides an indication of the quality of design and anticipated effectiveness of Agricultural and plant equipment anti-theft measures and is based on the following 5 key security points.
Vehicle Identification
Key Security
Immobilisation of Machine
Peripheral Security
After-Theft Tracking Systems
Thatcham’s Vehicle Security specialists carry out a full New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA P) on all agricultural and construction equipment submitted for assessment and award stars, one for each of the security features that meet the required standards.
JCB UK and Ireland Sales Director, Yvette Henshall-Bell, was presented with the official Thatcham certification by Dave Rasmussen, Motor Vehicle Crime Policy Lead at the Home Office – who are firm supporters of the scheme, at the Construction Industry Theft Solutions 5th Annual Conference this week.
The award of 3 stars sees JCB as the first manufacturer to achieve an acceptable level of Vehicle ID, Key Security and Machine Immobilisation, with the 3 stars awarded specifically for their 801 Mini Excavator series and the JS and JZ Heavy production excavators ranges.
Whilst publically available via Thatcham’s website – thatcham.org/nvsr, the star ratings primarily act as a tool for insurers to evaluate risk on a particular piece of equipment. Thatcham’s recommend minimum standard, representing acceptable security levels is the 3 stars, such as JCB have achieved. All other manufacturers are being encouraged to achieve at least this level in order to be viewed favourably by insurers.
Thatcham’s Vehicle Security Manager, Mike Briggs, said “Plant theft has become an all too common problem in the UK with plant and agricultural equipment simply lacking significant levels of security. It is great news to see manufacturers of the calibre of JCB making significant strides in this area and with the positive support that Thatcham’s star rating scheme has enjoyed from all sides of the industry, we are confident that others will follow suit.”
Yvette Henshall-Bell said: “JCB has always been at the forefront of machine design and technology, including theft prevention and fleet security. By becoming the first manufacturer to achieve a three star Thatcham rating, JCB is once again taking the initiative in the fight against equipment crime.”