Hampshire man who stole £33,500 machinery from plant hire company is jailed for more than a year

A man who stole and defrauded construction machinery has been jailed for his crimes.

Richard Charles Brown, 55 from Silver Birches, Bursledon, pleaded guilty to theft and fraud at Southampton Crown Court earlier this year. On Friday, May 22, he returned to court to be sentenced.

The court heard how in May 2024, Brown used false identification in order to hire a Yanmar SV26 Excavator from a plant hire company in Salisbury, Wiltshire. The mini digger, worth £33,500, was delivered to Brown’s home address.

The company then attempted to collect the vehicle at the end of the hire period, but Brown had already blocked their number and became obstructive. When they went to his address to collect it in-person, it was clear that the vehicle had been moved on, within hours of it first being dropped off.

Investigating officer, PC Tim Bright said: “This was a real team effort, and I am pleased to see it result in a custodial sentence. I’d also like to recognise the victim’s commitment in supporting the case through to court.”

In the wake of Brown’s crimes, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has issued some advice for plant hire companies, which the force says are often targeted by organised criminals using fake IDs and forged documents.

The police have recommended that companies check trade accounts and customer references, confirming photo ID and a valid address. Last minute, high-value requests should also be looked at with a sense of caution.

Geoforce technology can also be used in tandem with standard locks and trackers, alerting companies if machinery moves outside a set area. Officers added that keeping serial numbers, VINs, and recent photographs of each machine increases the chances of recovery and disrupting organised criminals.

When machinery is stored, firms are advised to keep it out of sight from public roads where possible, use locked barriers, bunds, bollards, or concrete blocks to prevent removal.

If anything feels suspicious, do not release the equipment. Report concerns via 101, and in an emergency, always dial 999.

Brown was sentenced to 15 months in prison, concurrent for all offences.