JCB tackle plant theft

Construction equipment manufacturer to standardize anti-theft measures on majority of new machines sold in the UK and Ireland

IN a move to deter plant theft, JCB have announced plans to fit anti-theft devices on more than 80% of their new machines sold in the UK and Ireland from 2011.

Under the name ‘JCB Guardian’, all of the company’s backhoe loaders, telescopic handlers and excavators will be equipped with an immobilizer and JCB LiveLink, which allows machines to be traced and located by satellite if stolen. 

This is the first time that any JCB product has been protected as standard with both immobilizers and Livelink – a move that the company says will help save nearly £1,500 over three years in JCB insurance premiums.

Extending protection to other machines, the LiveLink system will be installed as standard on JCB’s wheeled loading shovels and range of Telemaster articulated shovels. In addition, immobilizers will be fitted as standard on the company’s range of compact telehandlers and mini-excavators.

‘Plant theft is a huge problem in the UK and it’s getting worse,’ explained Yvette Henshall-Bell, UK and Ireland sales director at JCB. ‘With one in three machines sold in the UK made by JCB…We are the only manufacturer offering, as standard, anti-theft measures on such a wide range of products. While it was rare two years ago for customers to ask for theft protection on machines, more and more are now asking for them.

‘It’s our intention to make life as difficult as possible for thieves by introducing theft protection as standard on our products and at the same saving our customers the cost and inconvenience caused by plant theft.’