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CESAR SCHEME NEARS LANDMARK 700,000TH SYSTEM SUPPLIED TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND AGRICULTURAL SECTORS
The CESAR Scheme, the UK’s official security and registration system for construction and agricultural machinery, is on the brink of an historic achievement - delivering its 700,000th system to the industry. Since its launch in 2007, CESAR has become the most successful initiative of its kind anywhere in the world, trusted by leading manufacturers and embraced by contractors, farmers, and plant hire companies alike.
Powered by Datatag ID Ltd’s proven multi-layered forensic marking technology, CESAR provides each machine with a permanent, unique identity. This identity is recorded on a secure database accessible 24/7 by police and law enforcement, making it possible to quickly confirm rightful ownership and aid in the recovery of stolen equipment. The system combines visible ID plates, RFID transponders, Datadots®, and forensic DNA, creating a powerful deterrent to thieves and a robust recovery tool when thefts do occur.
With machinery theft continuing to cost the UK economy millions each year, CESAR has delivered tangible results. Police and insurance data confirm that CESAR-marked machines are four times less likely to be stolen and six times more likely to be recovered than unmarked equipment. This success has led to widespread adoption by major brands including JCB, Kubota, Manitou, John Deere, and New Holland, many of whom fit CESAR as standard on their machines before they leave the factory.
Viki Bell, CEO of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), which owns the CESAR Scheme, added:
“Reaching this incredible milestone shows just how far the CESAR Scheme has come in protecting our industry from the devastating impact of machinery theft. The CEA is proud to see so many leading manufacturers fitting CESAR as standard, and we remain committed to working with Datatag, the police, and our members to keep vital construction and agricultural machinery safe from criminals.”
Kevin Howells, Managing Director of Datatag ID Ltd, commented:
“Approaching 700,000 CESAR systems is a testament to the trust and commitment of our manufacturing partners and the industry as a whole. Every single system fitted is a statement that theft will not be tolerated. CESAR is proven, it’s effective, and it’s protecting the machinery that builds our infrastructure and powers our agriculture.”
The CESAR Scheme is owned by the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) and supported by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and the Association of Manufacturers and suppliers of Power generating Systems (AMPS), all of whom recognise the Scheme’s critical role in safeguarding vital equipment. It has also been embraced by police forces across the UK, with specialist officers trained to identify CESAR-marked machinery both on the roadside and in ports, helping disrupt the illegal export of stolen plant and agricultural equipment.
As the Scheme prepares to celebrate its 700,000th system, plans are already in motion for new developments that will expand CESAR’s capabilities even further - continuing the fight against theft and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of machinery security.
Date Created: 08/08/2025
