Site Managers are urged to remain vigilant following a warning from the Mineral Products Association (MPA) regarding a recent rise in organised thefts targeting quarry operations across the Midlands and surrounding areas.

A competitor has reported five incidents within the last four to five weeks, all occurring at sand and gravel sites. In each case, offenders targeted conveyor system cables and demonstrated a high level of knowledge of industrial operations, safely isolating power supplies before removing cable. There is also evidence that the groups involved have been stealing diesel from site fuel storage facilities, including bowsers and tanks. The offenders are believed to operate in groups and are highly aware of CCTV coverage, taking deliberate steps to avoid detection.

Please remain alert and pay particular attention to:

• Conveyor systems and cable runs
• Plant and mobile equipment
• Fuel storage areas, bowsers and tanks
• Unusual activity outside normal operating hours
• Unauthorised individuals or vehicles on or near site

Review Existing Security Measures

We would like to take this opportunity to once again encourage all Site Managers to review the vulnerability of cables at their locations, ensure cables are hidden wherever it can be, and if this is not possible, impose measures to otherwise make it difficult to steal. Please also review the diesel security guidance previously shared in Cemex UK News HERE. Please ensure that appropriate controls are in place to protect fuel supplies and minimise the risk of theft.

Please reach out to John Sweeting if you would like the Security team to complete a detailed review of your site.

If you observe anything suspicious, report it immediately through the appropriate site security and management channels so that action can be taken quickly.

By remaining vigilant and following established security measures, we can help protect our people, sites, equipment and operations from criminal activity.