Combined Industries Theft Solutions

Police and Industry partnered together for a special police training and conference at JCB World Headquarters

The Combined Industry Theft Solutions (CITS) group, in partnership with police and partners, held a special ‘police-only’ training event and conference as part of the biannual CITS industry conference, at the impressive JCB world headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire.

On the 6th of November 2025, police and industry came together for a one-day event, which was split into two sessions. The morning ‘industry-only’ event saw delegates from across major construction and utility sectors, including trade associations, insurers, hirers and law enforcement.

The event focused on array of subjects highlighting the current threats especially to critical national infrastructure and how to prepare for 2026.  The issue of tool theft was compered by Roger Bisby, who’s guests included Matt Vickers, the Shadow Policing Minister.

In addition, the issue of Hire Fraud was discussed, where the ‘Hire Fraud’ guidance document was launched - a joint industry and police initiative.

The industry session concluded with a group of police officers from regional forces awarded special CESAR recognition awards for their outstanding work over the last 12 months in combatting criminality within the construction and agricultural sectors. Read More >

The ‘police-only’ training and conference was opened by CITS Chairman Ian Elliott, followed by DCC Nigel Harrison, the NPCC Rural crime lead of North Wales.

Input was also given by specialist officers from the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT) and Police liaison officers of the official CESAR Scheme.

A further briefing was given by Inspector Stuart Hutchinson from Thames Valley Police’s (TVP’s) rural crime unit.

This was followed by a session compered by Construction Equipment Association’s (CEA’s) representative Dave Luscombe, who highlighted a session on industry concerns including current threats and risks and the impact that they have to industry, panellists included Seumas Ascott, Head of Security at J Murphy & Son’s, Dave Byng, UK Head of Security at Balfour Beatty, Ian Elliott, Head of Security at The Clancy Group, and David Smith, Legal Manager at the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA).

The event concluded with a presentation on the CESAR scheme, where officers learnt about the new Registered Assets Police Information Database (RAPID) search application, which helps police identify plant and machinery identification.

The specialist event welcomed over 120 police officers from regional and specialist police forces. These invaluable events are aimed to highlight the current threats and the importance of working in partnerships to tackle crime, in particular to the construction and agricultural sectors.

David Smith CITS treasurer and CPA’s Legal Manager commented on the success of the day;

“With the wonderful facilities at JCB, with the support of their staff, this was a very successful day where industry and police learnt of the on-going threats to all businesses operating in our sector. CITS represents the benefits of industry and police collaborating, particularly with the ‘Hire Fraud’ Aide Memoire, which was launched at the conference. My thanks to the exhibitors and supporters who helped make this event possible.”

CITS work in partnership with police, crime-fighting organisations and machinery manufacturers to provide officers with the knowledge and detection techniques to combat equipment theft, in order to be one step ahead of the criminals. The training events are invaluable, particularly at a time when police resource is stretched.

CITS, an industry forum comprising of representatives from the Home Office, Police, Insurers and Industry will continue to host a series of further, free to attend, police only training events. Officers should register their interest for future events, with faye@cits.uk.com.

The next training event will take place on the 20th of November in East Sussex.

Further details can be found on the CITS website www.cits.uk.com