UK Police embrace new CESAR Scheme RAPID search app
Over 600 officers across the UK registered for search application in its first week of launch
RAPID, the Registered Assets Police Information Database, is a powerful web-based search tool designed to significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of plant and machinery identification.
With advanced mobile technology, RAPID allows officers to access the CESAR Database of more than 650,000 registered assets directly from their smartphones, allowing for quick identification of stolen property and swift progress in investigations.
Drawing on information from the CESAR Database, the Police National Computer (PNC), and the IFNOL insurers database, RAPID offers the most comprehensive asset check available to the police.
Officers can identify an asset using accessible identifiers such as the CESAR ID number, Datadot number, etch or RFID, engine number, or VIN. RAPID even delivers search results based on partial number inputs.
In addition to its fast and straightforward identification capabilities, RAPID includes a library of more than 130 plant and machinery orientation videos, guiding officers to locate key identification plates and labels on commonly encountered machines.
National Police Chiefs Council lead for agricultural and construction machinery thefts, Superintendent Andy Huddleston of NCATT (National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team), said: ‘RAPID represents a significant leap forward in how law enforcement identify plant and machinery, which is crucial not just during investigations but more so because it’s very nearly the equivalent of doing a PNC registration plate check on a car.’
He added: ‘By offering the power of the CESAR Database to every police officer, it enables teams across the UK to operate with greater confidence, speed, and precision when identifying and recovering stolen assets. This is a brilliant step by the industry with their scheme.’
The RAPID web application employs industry-leading encryption protocols to ensure data integrity, with access limited to verified and authorized officers. The system logs every search, tracking details such as the officer’s identity, asset details, and geolocation, ensuring all interactions with the database are secure and traceable.
Viki Bell, director of operations at the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), which owns the CESAR Scheme, commented: ‘Our goal has always been to make plant identification straightforward, simple, and effective. RAPID makes the CESAR Database even more accessible to law enforcement on the front line, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.’
Kevin Howells, chief executive officer of CESAR technology provider DATATAG ID, added: ‘We developed RAPID to allow every officer in the country to identify an asset – whether a digger, tractor, ATV, or motorcycle – quickly and easily. RAPID is built on the fundamental concept that any visible identification mark can be used, helping officers in the fight against organized crime.’
Key features of RAPID:
Access anywhere, any time: Mobile-friendly design enables verification on the go
Instant asset verification: Immediate search results for faster response times
Enhanced investigative support: RAPID’s video library aids officers unfamiliar with plant machinery in locating key information
User-friendly interface: Intuitive design ensures quick familiarization with minimal training required.
