VIN CHIP Equips Staffordshire’s New Rural Team with Key Skills to Tackle Machinery Theft

VIN CHIP Equips Staffordshire’s New Rural Team with Key Skills to Tackle Machinery Theft

In a decisive step to counter rural crime, VIN CHIP recently provided training to Staffordshire’s Rural and Wildlife officers, along with some of the newly launched County Proactive and Rural Team (CPART) on advanced techniques for identifying stolen plant and leisure vehicles. Building on the momentum of National Rural Crime Week, the training offered CPART officers critical skills to protect the county’s rural assets and address key issues impacting local communities.

Classroom Session Highlights

The day began with a classroom session led by VIN CHIP’s Nick Mayell, whose 30+ years of experience in identifying stolen plant equipment and leisure vehicles was invaluable. Using PowerPoint, video demonstrations, and real-world examples including scanners, jammers, and collected documentation Mayell walked officers through theft indicators and identification techniques. The session covered trends in vehicle theft, essential tips for identifying assets, and red flags to help officers determine when more thorough investigation is warranted.

Hands-On Training in the Field

In the afternoon, officers applied what they’d learned in a practical session by conducting 360-degree inspections of machinery. They examined each asset from every angle, identified hidden theft indicators, and practiced formal identification techniques needed to protect rural assets. The hands-on training gave officers confidence in approaching and examining suspicious vehicles, with additional guidance on accessing external databases and the Police National Computer (PNC).

Martyn Leigh, VIN CHIP’s Police Liaison Manager, shared his thoughts on the day: "As a thank you for hosting us, we fitted VIN CHIP identification kits to two Massey Ferguson tractors owned by The Rural Enterprise Academy, which students use regularly on farms. This installation gave officers valuable insights into what to look for in future inspections. We’re excited to continue working with Staffordshire officers and look forward to future training sessions."

Key Takeaways from VIN CHIP Training

The training provided officers with:

• Enhanced ability to identify cloned machinery
• Knowledge of common theft patterns and indicators
• Practical experience in formal asset identification

 Host Feedback

The event was hosted by Jamie Cook, Curriculum Manager at South Staffs College Rodbaston Campus, a college specialising in land-based and environmental education for future professionals in rural industries. Cook commented: "It was a pleasure to host VIN CHIP and Staffordshire Police for this essential training session. Providing our students and, in this case, local law enforcement with practical insights into machinery identification underscores our commitment to supporting rural industries and keeping our communities safe."

Kelly Wareing, Deputy Commander of Staffordshire’s Local Policing Team, also expressed her gratitude to VIN CHIP: "With 78% of Staffordshire classified as rural, it’s crucial for our team to have specialist training that enhances our ability to respond effectively to rural crime. This partnership with VIN CHIP equips us with the knowledge to make a difference in our communities, helping prevent crime and safeguard residents. We look forward to more sessions with VIN CHIP."

 Ongoing Commitment

With these new skills, Staffordshire CPART is better positioned to protect rural areas, and VIN CHIP is committed to supporting their mission through ongoing training and expert guidance.

VIN CHIP remains dedicated to supporting law enforcement and rural communities nationwide, providing innovative solutions and expert training to combat machinery theft and protect vital assets. Contact us to find out more.