JCB has now sold more than 2000 machines incorporating its Plantguard Immobilser - introduced in 2003 to clamp down on the multimillion-dollar annual theft of materials handling machines.

The sales milestone coincides with the launch of JCB's 'Plant Security' logo which can now be fitted to machines which meet the Plant Theft Action Group's (PTAG) recommendations on combating plant theft. The introduction of the logo was one of the key matters discussed at the Vehicle Crime Conference 2004 , which was held at JCB's World Headquarters last week.

When the new logo is used at specific plant sites it demonstrates that the recommended security measures are in place. It is a further step towards the prevention of theft which now costs the UK an estimated GBP100m (USD184 million) each year.

PTAG chairman Kevin Clancy said: "We were delighted when JCB put our recommendations into practice and developed the Plantguard Immobiliser. Its value is clearly demonstrated by the number of plant users who have already specified it on their new machines. These products, along with the adoption of deterrents such as the Plant Security logo, are essential if the industry is to combat the ongoing problem of plant theft."