CITS conference line-up revealed

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The 8th Combined Industries Theft Solutions Conference is to take place at JCB’s HQ on the 12th November.

This year’s CITS event will highlight current trends and new potential threats likely to affect the construction industry over the coming year. Designed to give delegates the tools to identify and proactively deal with these problems, the CITS Board has gathered leading figures to present on a wide range of subjects.

Under the title of “Small Tools BIG losses”, the conference will also hear of the efforts that the CITS Board has undertaken to reduce the impact of theft of small powered hand tools from the workplace.

Delegates will see a new product launch from the Construction Equipment Association named Micro CESAR designed to protect the small tool market. The innovations included in the scheme will allow companies and plant hire firms to manage their tool assets and allow easy identification. The scheme will complement the existing CESAR scheme for construction and agricultural equipment which now protects over 200,000 items of machinery.

The conference will hear from a wide range of speakers who will update delegates on the current position and suggest practical solutions to minimise the risk of becoming victims of crime.

The conference will be opened by CITS Chairman and Clancy Group Head of Security, Ian Elliott. Giving insight from the police, Durham Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable, Steve Watson, will explain the importance of the industry working together with the police to combat organised and opportunistic crime.

Other guest speakers include Charlie McMurdie, the Ex Head of the Met Police Cyber Crime Unit and now with accountants PwC, who will provide an insight into the latest growing threats posed by cyber-crime and the consequences of complacency.

Charlie will be followed by Kathryn Higgs, Ex Balfour Beatty Head of Compliance, who will focus on how businesses can develop self-defence strategies for issues such as bribery and supply chain fraud. Michael Gregory, Director of JCB Insurance Services, will then discuss the growing problem of organised crime and fraudulent hires.

A European perspective on organised crime and stolen machine movements across EU borders will be provided by Interpol representative Renato Schipani. Renato will highlight the hot spots for supply and demand and will give delegates the low down on the trafficking of machinery across the EU.