CESAR Scheme nears landmark 700,000th system supplied
Reflects strength of collaboration between manufacturers, dealers, the insurance sector, and law enforcement
THE CESAR Scheme, the UK’s official security and registration system for construction and agricultural machinery, is on the brink of a significant achievement – delivering its 700,000th system to the industry. Since its launch in 2007, CESAR has become the most widely adopted initiative of its kind anywhere in the world, trusted by leading manufacturers and relied on by contractors, farmers, and plant hire companies alike.
Powered by Datatag ID Ltd’s multi-layered forensic marking technology, CESAR gives each machine a permanent, unique identity recorded on a secure database accessible 24/7 by police and law enforcement. This allows quick confirmation of ownership and aids in the recovery of stolen equipment. The system combines visible ID plates, RFID transponders, Datadots, and forensic DNA – creating a clear deterrent to thieves and an effective recovery tool when thefts do occur.
With machinery theft still costing the UK economy millions each year, CESAR has delivered measurable results. Police and insurance data confirm that CESAR-marked machines are four times less likely to be stolen and six times more likely to be recovered than unmarked equipment. This proven track record has led to widespread adoption by major brands including JCB, Kubota, Manitou, John Deere, and New Holland, many of whom fit CESAR as standard before machines leave the factory.
The near-700,000 milestone reflects the strength of collaboration between manufacturers, dealers, the insurance sector, and law enforcement. Each CESAR system fitted is another step towards reducing organized machinery theft and protecting the assets that keep the UK’s construction and agricultural sectors operating.
Viki Bell, chief executive officer of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), which owns the CESAR Scheme, said: ‘Reaching this milestone shows how far the CESAR Scheme has come in protecting our industry from the impact of machinery theft. The CEA is proud to see so many leading manufacturers fitting CESAR as standard, and we remain committed to working with Datatag, the police, and our members to keep vital construction and agricultural machinery safe from criminals.’
Kevin Howells, managing director of Datatag ID Ltd, said: ‘Approaching 700,000 CESAR systems is testament to the trust and commitment of our manufacturing partners and the industry. Every system fitted sends a clear message that theft will not be tolerated. CESAR is proven, effective, and helping protect the machinery that builds our infrastructure and powers our agriculture.’
The CESAR Scheme is owned by the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) and supported by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and the Association of Manufacturers and suppliers of Power generating Systems (AMPS). Police forces across the UK have embraced it, with specialist officers trained to identify CESAR-marked machinery on the roadside and at ports, helping to disrupt the illegal export of stolen plant and agricultural equipment.
As CESAR moves towards its 700,000th system, work is already under way to build on its success with new developments aimed at strengthening machinery security even further.
