According to two professors at Birmingham City University in the UK, construction companies should consider painting their machines pink if they want to stop thieves stealing them.
Prof David Edwards and Prof Gary Holt believe that thieves can be deterred from stealing a vehicle that is painted in a conspicuous colour, such as pink and green, because the vehicle will have to be repainted before selling it on, which takes time and incurs inconvenience and cost.
The pair have been working with companies Mtrack, A-Plant Hire and recent addition to the GCC market Speedy Hire to conduct their research.
Professor Edwards said, “Criminals don’t generally want to go to the bother of repainting a vehicle. They want to steal and sell on plant as quickly as possible. They are after a fast profit with minimal hassle. Furthermore, the longer they have possession of stolen goods, then the greater is their chance of detection.”
“Plant theft has various socio-economic issues attached to it. For example, organised gangs steal plant from building sites because they are an easy target and offer a potential fast, high return. These gangs may then use these funds from theft for subsequent criminal activity such as drug dealing, prostitution rackets and even terrorism. So if we can help to reduce the plant theft problem, indirectly we contribute to a better society for all.”
