IPAF UK & Ireland members warned of MEWP theft risk

IPAF member companies and other owners and operators of powered access equipment are being warned about the risk of theft of machines following a report of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) being stolen in Leicestershire.

All UK and Ireland members are advised to stay vigilant after the UK-based Hire Association Europe (HAE) Theft and Fraud News Group circulated a police incident report regarding the theft of a Nifty 120T trailer-mounted boom lift from Wigston near Leicester on Saturday 13 October around 7pm.

Anyone who has any information or who is approached in dubious circumstances by someone seeking to dispose of a MEWP of this type is requested to contact Chris Phipps (812) of Leicester police on 0116 248 3568, quoting crime reference number 18000493706. The missing machine is green and bears the serial number 23423.

Richard Whiting, IPAF’s General Market Manager for the UK & Ireland, comments: “IPAF members will no doubt be vigilant at all times against theft and attempts to secure rental of valuable powered access equipment by fraudulent means.

“Given the time of year, with the clocks having just gone back, it is advisable that extra precautions should be considered to keep worksites, storage compounds and hire depots properly lit and secure against unwanted access and theft.

“From time to time these specific warnings are circulated and IPAF always endeavours to alert its members, and to ask for assistance in sharing information that may lead to the recovery of stolen equipment and/or the apprehension of those responsible.”