CESAR Scheme delivery partner, DATATAG, confirmed as IMI approved Centre  

Datatag has been delivering a range of Plant and Machinery courses for over 20 years, both through its in-house Police Liaison Teams and in collaboration with third-party administrative providers. Now, having successfully earned the accolade of being accredited by the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry), Datatag can deliver these courses themselves. With this achievement, Datatag stands as the first, and only, company providing services to the industry that can substantiate their offering with IMI-accredited training courses.

Kevin Howells, CEO of Datatag said “I am extremely proud to have been awarded this status by the IMI. The industry knows just how rigorous the criteria are for companies to meet in order to achieve this status and we are equally proud to be the first and only company to have done so.”

The IMI offers courses in the motor industry, encompassing plant and machinery. To maintain the highest standards, it permits only approved centres to deliver these courses.

Suneeta Johal, CEO of the Construction Equipment Association said “Keeping our Police Officers & Law Enforcement personnel updated on both sophisticated and basic tactics used in machinery theft is essential. This is especially true when considering the newer methods of fraudulent machinery acquisition and re-identification. I commend DATATAG, delivery partners to the CEA's CESAR Security Scheme, for achieving this new IMI status and for launching the DATATAG CESAR Plant, Agricultural & Machinery courses. With over 100 UK Police Officers already expressing interest, it’s clear that such courses are pivotal in our combined efforts. The CEA is proud to champion initiatives that prioritise professional development and effectively address crime."

Ruth Bailey, CEO of the Agricultural Engineers Association who represents the interests of machinery manufacturers in the sector said “It’s great news that Datatag has attained IMI accreditation, it’s a significant achievement. Sitting alongside the CESAR scheme, which Datatag operates on behalf of the industry, this will ensure our rural crime officers are fully equipped and trained helping to minimise the distress and disruption that rural crime can cause.”

Criminal methodology changes, almost day to day, and keeping ahead of OCGs (Organised Criminal Gangs) is a constant battle for law enforcement.  Datatag’s Police Liaison Team works closely with forces up and down the country to gather information on emerging criminal trends to update their Plant and Machinery Identification Courses in real-time.  In doing this, and with their new IMI status, Datatag is able to present the most up-to-date and comprehensive courses available to police forces up and down the country.

Ian Elliott, Chairman of the Combined Industries Theft Solutions (CITS), a group of industry representatives who work to promote best practice in dealing with crime said "I am pleased that Datatag ID Ltd, the chosen delivery partner for the Official CESAR Scheme has achieved accredited centre status with the Institute of the Motor Industry. This achievement highlights the commitment that they have to the Police Industry partnerships with their new courses in vehicle and machinery identification.  The training, together with their new innovative apps will significantly help police units with the necessary knowledge and skills to fight vehicle crime effectively.”

New dates for Datatag’s IMI-accredited courses in Plant and Machinery Identification, available to police offers across the country, will be announced in due course.