Thieves were this week thwarted in their attempt to steal a top-of-the-range JCB backhoe loader- thanks to the machine being fitted with the JCB LiveLink satellite tracking device as standard.
The JCB 4CX backhoe loader was stolen from JCB dealer Greenshields JCB's depot in Hemel Hempstead on Monday night. But it was recovered just hours later and all thanks to its JCB LiveLink telematic system, which gives real-time location information.
When Greenshields JCB staff discovered the theft, they logged into JCB LiveLink, which revealed the machine had been driven and parked up four miles away in Abbots Langley. They promptly recovered the machine.
During 2011 JCB's 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders, side-engined telescopic handlers and tracked and wheeled excavators sold in the UK are being fitted with JCB LiveLink and an immobiliser as standard - and the stolen 4CX was one of the first machines to benefit from JCB's strong stance on plant theft.
Yvette Henshall-Bell, JCB's UK and Ireland Sales Director said: "The recovery of this stolen machine in a matter of hours of the theft proves beyond doubt the benefit for customers of fitting machines with LiveLink as standard."
JCB Insurance Director and General Manager Michael Gregory added: "Claiming for the theft of a valuable machine like a JCB 4CX would have had a profound effect of any business' insurance renewal premium, so the financial advantages of fitting LiveLink speak for themselves."
JCB LiveLink provides a telematic link to JCB's machines which gives customers real-time location information, with curfew and geofence alerts - a real defence in the fight against thieves. In addition it can monitor the health of the machine as well as machine hours and performance.
JCB has taken a very strong stance on machine theft in the UK and Ireland, where every week more than £1 million worth of construction and agricultural machines are stolen - with just eight per cent ever recovered.
During 2011 and under the name 'JCB Guardian', JCB's 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders, side engine telescopic handlers and tracked and wheeled excavators will be fitted with both an immobiliser and the JCB LiveLink system which allows machines to be tracked and located by satellite if stolen. This is the first time that any JCB product has been protected as standard with both immobilisers and Livelink - a move that will help save some UK customers almost £1500 over three years in insurance premiums with JCB Insurance.
Extending protection to other products, JCB LiveLink will be installed as standard on JCB's wheeled loading shovels and range of Telemaster articulated shovels. In addition, immobilisers will be fitted as standard on JCB's range of compact telehandlers and mini excavators.