Theft of plant equipment - ROADE - Northamptonshire Talking

Theft of plant equipment - ROADE

Dear Resident

We are appealing for information after two rail clipping machines, were stolen in Hartwell Road, Roade, Northampton.

The theft occurred between 9am on the 10th January 2026 and 9am on the 12th January 2026. The machines were left near to an access point awaiting collection by the hire company.

Did you witness anything? Did you see anyone or any vehicle(s) in the area that looked suspicious? If so, then please contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 quoting ref: 26000026386. Alternatively you can report online here.

You can also pass on information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are some simple but effective things you can do to help protect heavy plant equipment

🔒 Crime Prevention Advice for Protecting Plant Equipment

Plant and machinery theft is a growing issue across the UK, affecting construction sites, farms, and remote work locations. The most effective approach is a layered security strategy, combining physical, technological, and procedural measures. Below is consolidated guidance from Secured by Design, the Metropolitan Police, Allianz, Aviva, and other reputable sources.

🧱 1. Physical Security Measures

Secure storage

Store machinery in secure compounds or containers whenever possible. For high‑risk sites, block containers with concrete blocks to restrict access.
[securedbydesign.com]

Chain and immobilise

For large items that can't be stored indoors, chain them to immovable structures (e.g., concrete blocks) or interlock them with other machines to make removal more difficult.
[securedbydesign.com], [littlebury.org.uk]

Perimeter security

Use strong perimeter fencing such as fixed palisade or hoarding at least 2.4m high; avoid easily-breached temporary Heras fencing where possible.

Keep access points to a minimum and secure vehicle gates with high‑quality padlocks.

Conduct routine checks for perimeter damage.
[static.aviva.io]

Lighting

Illuminate the site thoroughly to deter intruders and support CCTV visibility.
[abax.com]

🎥 2. Technology & Electronic Security

CCTV and alarms

Install CCTV covering all plant storage areas and site entrances.

Use motion‑activated lighting and alarms to deter opportunistic thieves.
[allianz.co.uk]

Tracking and immobilisation

Fit machinery with tracking devices and immobilisers; many systems send instant alerts when equipment is moved.
[securedbydesign.com], [allianz.co.uk], [met.police.uk]

CESAR Marking System

Register equipment with the CESAR system, the national security marking scheme for plant and agricultural machinery, making it far harder to sell on and easier for police to identify.
[securedbydesign.com]

Perimeter Intruder Detection Systems (PID)

Consider portable PID systems for remote or high‑risk sites.
[static.aviva.io]

🚜 3. Operational Procedures

Remove keys & lock machinery

Always remove keys when equipment is not in use and activate immobilisers. This is one of the simplest and most effective deterrents.
[securedbydesign.com]

Vehicle & equipment checks

On larger sites, inspect vehicles as they leave to prevent tools or attachments being taken.
[securedbydesign.com]

Secure tools and attachments

Store tools, buckets, drills, and attachments in secure vaults or cabinets.
[securedbydesign.com]

Fuel theft prevention

Fit fuel‑theft alarms and secure diesel bowsers or fuel tanks, which have become high‑value targets.
[securedbydesign.com], [static.aviva.io]

🏷️ 4. Identification, Marking & Inventory Control

Marking equipment

Mark plant and tools clearly with unique identification, such as postcode plus property numbers (preferred by police).
[met.police.uk]

Maintain an inventory

Keep an up‑to‑date inventory including serial numbers, photographs, and distinguishing marks.
This dramatically increases the chance of recovery.
[allianz.co.uk], [met.police.uk]

Photographic records

Store photos securely (e.g., fire‑proof safe or password‑protected device).
[met.police.uk]

🌍 5. Site‑Specific Risk Awareness

Know your environment

Understand local crime patterns and target types — for example, mini excavators have seen high theft rates in certain UK regions.
[abax.com]

Adjust security to risk

High‑value sites may justify additional measures such as on-site security patrols or biometric access control.
[allianz.co.uk]

🆘 6. After a Theft

If machinery is stolen:

Contact police immediately (999 if in progress; online/101 if after the fact).

Provide full inventory details, serial numbers, and tracking data.
[met.police.uk]

📌 Summary: Your Most Effective Measures

If you can only implement a few actions, prioritise these:

Remove keys & lock machinery

Secure perimeter with strong fencing & lighting

Fit trackers/immobilisers & register with CESAR

Store machinery in locked compounds or containerised units

Maintain detailed inventories with photos

Further security tips and advice can be found on the Northamptonshire Police website and on the Neighbourhood Watch website.

If you would like to contact your local policing team, visit the Your Area section of our website.

PCSO Matt Taylor

South Northants Neighbourhood Policing Team

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Message Sent By
Matthew Taylor
(Northamptonshire Police, Police Community Support Officer, NS1 Deanshanger and Grange Park)