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UK Police embrace new CESAR Scheme RAPID search application

Over 600 Police Officers across the UK registered for the new RAPID asset search application in its first week of launch (1st - 7th October 2024).

RAPID, the Registered Assets Police Information Database, is a powerful web-based search tool designed to significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of plant and machinery identification. With advanced mobile technology, RAPID enables officers to access the CESAR Database of over 650,000 registered assets directly from their smartphones, allowing for quick identification of stolen property and swift progress in investigations.

Drawing on information from the CESAR Database, the Police National Computer (PNC), and the IFNOL insurers database, RAPID offers the most comprehensive asset check available to the police. Officers can identify an asset using accessible identifiers such as the CESAR ID number, Datadot® number, etch or RFID, engine number, or VIN. RAPID even delivers search results based on partial number inputs.

In addition to its fast and straightforward identification capabilities, RAPID includes a library of over 130 plant and machinery orientation videos, guiding officers to locate key identification plates and labels on commonly encountered machines.

National Police Chiefs Council lead for agri and construction machinery thefts, Superintendent Andy Huddleston of NCATT (National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team), said: “RAPID represents a significant leap forward in how law enforcement identify plant and machinery, which is crucial not just during investigations but more so because it's very nearly the equivalent of doing a PNC registration plate check on a car.” He added, “By offering the power of the CESAR Database to every police officer, it enables teams across the UK to operate with greater confidence, speed and precision when identifying and recovering stolen assets. This is a brilliant step by the industry with their scheme.”

The RAPID web application employs industry-leading encryption protocols to ensure data integrity, with access limited to verified and authorised officers. The system logs every search, tracking details such as the officer’s identity, asset details, and geolocation, ensuring all interactions with the database are secure and traceable.

Viki Bell, Director of Operations at the CEA, which owns the CESAR Scheme, commented: “Our goal has always been to make plant identification straightforward, simple, and effective. RAPID makes the CESAR Database even more accessible to law enforcement on the front line, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.”

Kevin Howells, CEO of CESAR technology provider DATATAG ID, added, “We developed RAPID to allow every officer in the country to identify an asset—whether a digger, tractor, ATV, or motorcycle—quickly and easily. RAPID is built on the fundamental concept that any visible identification mark can be used, helping officers in the fight against organised crime.”

Key features of RAPID:

• Access anywhere, any time: Mobile-friendly design enables verification on the go.
• Instant asset verification: Immediate search results for faster response times.
• Enhanced investigative support: RAPID’s video library aids officers unfamiliar with plant machinery in locating key information.
• User-friendly interface: Intuitive design ensures quick familiarisation with minimal training required.

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