From Montreal to Poland: VIN CHIP Leads the Fight Against Global Machinery Theft

From Montreal to Poland: VIN CHIP Leads the Fight Against Global Machinery Theft

Every hour, machinery worth thousands vanish across borders, fuelling a multi-billion-pound illegal market. But what if the solution lies in the hands of a few dedicated officers, armed with expert training and innovative tools? VIN CHIP is making that vision a reality.

In just seven weeks, VIN CHIP’s intrepid trainer, Nick Mayell, has delivered transformative training to law enforcement agencies in Montreal, France, and Poland. His mission? To arm officers with the knowledge and skills needed to combat the growing scourge of stolen construction, plant, and agricultural machinery, a growing concern across borders.

“Every stolen tractor isn’t just a financial loss—it’s someone’s livelihood at stake,” shared Nick Mayell. “That’s why I’m so passionate about equipping officers with tools to make a difference.”

Tackling Machinery Theft: Poland and Beyond

Nick’s most recent mission took him to Poland, where he worked alongside Polish and Ukrainian police and border guards. These officers face the persistent challenge of heavy equipment theft, which has far-reaching consequences for businesses, farmers, and construction operators.

Over the course of an intensive week, participants gained first-hand experience and expert insights into:

• Rational Selection: Learning to focus on high-risk vehicles and machinery during roadside checks.
• Preliminary Roadside Inspection: Understanding the correct roadside examination process.
• PIN Plate Examination: How to check if a PIN plate is fake or genuine.
• Forensic Techniques: Understanding the makeup of stamped-in PINs and experimenting with preservation of evidence using forensic casting along with and introduction to the process of electro-etching.
• Essential Tools: Use of the roadside toolkits for quick and accurate identification.

One officer shared how identifying a stolen excavator on the job would mean more than solving a crime, it would help a small farmer keep their business alive. By strengthening law enforcement’s capabilities, VIN CHIP is helping to break the chain of criminal activity, safeguard livelihoods, and protect businesses worldwide.

The training was not limited to heavy equipment. Manuel Rossenmüller delivered a vehicle identification masterclass, delving into the unique identifiers of major car brands. This comprehensive approach ensured officers left with a broader skill set, enabling them to tackle vehicle theft at all levels.

Insights from Industry Experts

The event also featured dynamic presentations from global experts, including:

• Interpol’s Renato Schipani: Sharing strategies for database utilisation, rational selection, and identifying North American vehicles.
• Berla Corporation’s Katie Shipp and KC Johnson: Delivering innovative insights into digital vehicle forensics, highlighting how technology can play a vital role in crime prevention.

Bringing Skills to Life

The training concluded with a practical exercise where participants applied their newfound knowledge to both heavy equipment and cars. This real-world simulation reinforced the techniques taught throughout the week, preparing officers to tackle equipment theft in their regions with confidence and precision.

Global Impact

Nick Mayell, an IMI Interpol Trainer, and Identification Specialist, has now trained officers in over thirty-five countries, bringing VIN CHIP’s expertise to a global stage. Reflecting on the experience, Nick said: “It is always an honour to be entrusted by Interpol to deliver courses on their behalf. “Stopping one stolen excavator can disrupt a chain of criminal activity, safeguarding livelihoods and restoring trust in cross-border commerce.”

 By sharing best practices and fostering international collaboration, VIN CHIP and Nick Mayell are helping to create a united front against the global scourge of equipment theft.

 VIN CHIP’s Commitment

As this latest tour demonstrates, VIN CHIP is dedicated to supporting law enforcement efforts worldwide. VIN CHIP’s mission is more than just training, it is about empowering law enforcement to make a lasting difference. With every officer trained, the fight against machinery theft gains new momentum. And this is just the beginning. Whether in the UK or abroad, our mission remains the same: to provide the tools and training needed to fight equipment theft and protect livelihoods.

 The Road Ahead

VIN CHIP’s work does not end here. Every officer trained represents another step toward a safer, more secure world where equipment theft is no longer a low-risk, high-reward crime.

“Stopping one stolen excavator can disrupt a chain of criminal activity,” Nick explained. “Every officer trained represents not just a step forward in fighting crime but a chance to restore livelihoods, disrupt organised crime networks, and strengthen trust across borders.”

From the UK to the global stage, VIN CHIP remains dedicated to empowering law enforcement to make a lasting difference. Stay tuned for more updates from our team as we continue to make an impact on the world stage.

Want to learn more about how VIN CHIP can help? Contact us today and join us in the fight against machinery theft.