Police JCB in Moray to highlight theft issue

A JCB kitted out in Police Scotland colours visited Elgin yesterday to highlight the problem of tool and equipment theft.

The force's acquisitive crime unit held an event at Highland Industrial Supplies on the Pinefield Industrial Estate to pass on advise to businesses about how best to avoid such crimes.

Yesterday's visit was a response to a 13.3% hike in the figures.

A significant fear expressed by owners are the knock-on effects of thefts.

When stolen items can't be quickly replaced that can result in work being delayed and, in turn, penalty costs being added to a job.

Equally, when it comes to fuel theft, often the damage done to take the fuel exceeds the costs of the stolen fuel itself.

Frustration at a lack of follow-up from the police after thefts are reported has also been expressed.

Jamie Stewart from Police Scotland attended the event in Elgin yesterday.

He said: "The theft of plant equipment and vehicles from rural properties, construction sites or other locations significantly impacts that business' operations and can have knock-on effects that are felt by the wider public. There is no such thing as a victimless crime.

"Acquisitive crime overall is experiencing a rise in recorded incidents at present.

"Police Scotland is committed to working alongside relevant partners to address this increase and prevent further offences arising by empowering rural and construction businesses to consider appropriate security measures on and around their premises.

"Just this month in Moray, fuel theft has been reported in Duffus as well as a stolen pick-up truck and two quad bikes from Huntly.

"I would encourage anyone who is looking to enhance their security provisions, or who is seeking out crime prevention advice, to visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk"

Last May saw the launch of SPAACE (the Scottish Partnership Against Acquisitive Crime), which was set up by the police alongside the Scottish Plant Owners Association

Callum Mackintosh from the association said: "We have had a great response to this initiative, but there is still a lot of work to do.

"I’d like to stress the importance of reporting thefts to the police. The more information available on these crimes the better as it helps the police to spot patterns and encourages plant owners to be extra vigilant.

"Working closely with Police Scotland has also been beneficial to create better understanding and awareness of the types of machinery used in our industry, which aids detection when items are stolen."

Paul Cantley, depot manager at HIS Elgin, said: "It was great to see a good turnout for this event and many of our customers expressed their gratitude for the advice given.

"We hope that by raising awareness of the issue and giving practical advice we can help to reduce plant, fuel and tool theft in the area."