VIN CHIP

07/10/2026

🚨 One in nine trailer checks raises a red flag.

The latest analysis from The Equipment Register (TER) found that 11% of checks on used trailers and horseboxes were associated with theft, fraud or another financial irregularity.

That’s up from 10% in 2025.

With around 950,000 trailers recorded in TER’s database, knowing what you’re buying and being able to establish an asset’s identity matters.

But what happens if a trailer is stolen?

We explore why trailer security needs to go further than simply preventing theft.

👉 Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4ANZJWt

Trailer theft claims reached £1.3m in 2024. Learn how layered identification helps deter theft and identify stolen trailers when they are recovered.

25/09/2026

🚨 13 stolen caravans recovered in August 2026.

Every recovery starts with one crucial thing: identification.

VIN Chip and NCC CRiS work together to help authorised police users identify stolen caravans and connect them with their registered keepers.

🔎 In August, Port of Dover, Norfolk Police, Police Scotland, Thames Valley Police and Cheshire Police were among those carrying out the highest numbers of CRiS searches.

13 recoveries. 13 caravans identified.

It’s a powerful reminder that security marking and registering your caravan can make a difference when it matters most.

👉 Protect your caravan: bit.ly/3CE2Bvo

24/09/2026

🚐 Heading to the NEC Caravan Shows? Save £5.95 on your ticket and come and see us!

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2026 is coming to the NEC Birmingham from 13–18 October and VIN Chip and NCC CRiS will be there at Hall 9, Stand 9.20.

Whether you’re a motorhome or caravan owner, planning your next adventure or looking for your next leisure vehicle, come and talk to our team about protecting and identifying your vehicle.

🔎 Discover VIN Chip’s forensic security marking
🏕️ Find out more about CRiS caravan registration
🤝 Meet the team and get advice on leisure vehicle security and identification

🎟️ Save £5.95 on your ticket

Use code VIN when booking:

Tickets from £14
✅ Parking included
✅ Under-16s go free
⏰ Offer ends midnight on 12 October 2026

Planning your visit? Find out more about the show, what’s happening and where to find us in our latest story.

👉 Read the full story and book your tickets: https://bit.ly/3Tsby3V

We’ll see you at the NEC! 🚐

21/09/2026

Find it. Identify it. Return it. 🔍🚜

Great to see Northamptonshire Police highlighting the importance of identifying stolen caravans, farm machinery and valuable equipment as part of National Rural Crime Week.

Officers from Northamptonshire Police’s Rural Crime Team marked National Rural Crime Week by highlighting the wide-ranging work they carry out to support and protect the county’s rural communities.

Designed to protect rural communities, disrupt offenders as well as strengthen partnerships, the aim of the national week of action held between September 7 and 11, is to tackle issues which matter the most to those who live and work in the heart of the countryside.

Working alongside key partner agencies and neighbouring police forces, the Rural Crime Team arranged various activities which focused on enforcement, prevention and engagement. This included:

• Operation Walrus targeted thefts in rural areas, with officers carrying out patrols in hotspot locations to deter offenders, gather information and help prevent crime
• Operation Pound focused on finding stolen caravans, farm machinery and other valuable equipment. Officers worked with specialist partners to carry out vehicle checks, confirm ownership of equipment and help stop stolen property being moved around the county
• Community engagement remained a priority, with officers visiting farms and rural businesses to discuss local concerns, share crime prevention advice and build relationships with those living and working in rural areas.
• Hare coursing patrols took place across the county, with officers responding to reports, carrying out proactive patrols and working closely with landowners to tackle this issue and protect the countryside
• Cross-border operation with Warwickshire Police helped target offenders who travel between counties to commit crime. Officers shared information, carried out checks, dealt with driving offences and spoke with local communities
• Joint operation with the DVSA saw officers stop and check vehicles to make sure they were safe and legal. The operation also helped identify stolen agricultural machinery, plant equipment or other stolen property being moved across county borders
• Operation Traverse brought together the Rural Crime Team, the Environment Agency and local bailiffs to protect fishing rights, tackle the theft of fish and angling equipment, and ensure people were following fishing laws
• Protecting rural and environmental assets remained a key focus throughout the week, with officers working alongside partners to support anglers, landowners and rural communities across Northamptonshire

Sergeant Gary Liddle, of Northamptonshire Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “National Rural Crime Week was a great opportunity to highlight the work we do all year round to protect our rural communities and countryside.

“Working closely with partner organisations, neighbouring police forces, farmers, landowners and local residents helps us prevent crime, catch offenders and keep our rural areas safe.

“We are committed to tackling the issues that matter most to people living and working in Northamptonshire's countryside. We would encourage anyone with information about rural crime or suspicious activity to report it to us.”

For rural crime prevention information and advice please visit https://orlo.uk/a4m4M

Anyone with information relating to rural crime can report it online https://orlo.uk/cYYNz or by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

21/09/2026

Stolen. Recovered. Identified. Returned. 🔍🚜

This is exactly why asset identification matters.

🚜🐴 Dorset Police Rural Crime Team Weekly Update 🚔🌾

It's been another busy week for the Rural Crime Team, working with partners and communities across Dorset to tackle crime, safeguard vulnerable people and animals, and support our rural communities.

✅ Animal Welfare Partnership Visit 🐴🤝
Officers carried out a joint visit alongside the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, following concerns regarding the welfare of a pony. We are pleased to report that the owner engaged positively with all agencies involved and is working closely with their vet to ensure the pony receives the proper treatment and ongoing care required.

✅ Burglary Arrests in Marnhull🚔
The team assisted Sturminster Newton Neighbourhood Policing Team with two arrests in connection with a burglary in Marnhull. The suspects are alleged to have targeted elderly and vulnerable members of our community.

✅ Suspected Stolen Vehicle Seized 🚗🚨
Officers seized a suspected stolen vehicle displaying cloned registration plates in Waverland Terrace, Gillingham. We continue to work alongside colleagues from other departments within the force and enquiries remain ongoing.

✅ Community Engagement Event👮‍♂️👮‍♀️☕
On Wednesday, our PCSOs attended Mole Country Store in Gillingham, engaging with local residents, answering questions and providing crime prevention advice.

✅ Supporting Our Farming Community 🚜🌾
The team visited local farmers to discuss ongoing concerns relating to crime and rural affairs. Relevant support, reassurance and crime prevention advice was provided.

✅ Joint Investigation Work📋🤝
Officers liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service and Avon & Somerset Police as part of a complex, ongoing joint investigation.

✅ Patrols🦌🌙🚔
On Friday evening, officers conducted proactive patrols as part of , targeting rural crime hotspots, responding to reports of poaching and investigating suspicious activity across the county. The operation was supported by one of the forces dog unit’s and our colleagues in response.

✅ Stolen Trailer Recovered🚜🔍
Following an investigation into the theft of a trailer, officers successfully located and returned the trailer to its owner. A suspect has been identified and is assisting officers with their enquiries.
Thank you to everyone who continues to report information and work with us to keep Dorset's rural communities safe. If you witness suspicious activity, please report it online or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

🚔🌾🚜

17/09/2026

What a first day at GroundsFest! 👊

A packed show, plenty of live demonstrations and some great conversations across the groundcare industry.

It was great to catch up with British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association - BAGMA’s Richard and Nick, while Mike and Scott from the VIN Chip team were out meeting manufacturers, dealers and industry professionals.

We also caught up with our partners at CFMOTO UK and took a look at the latest machinery on display, alongside exhibitors including Kress UK and Ireland, Cramer and Bad Boy Mowers.

GroundsFest is a great opportunity to connect with the industry, share ideas and see what’s coming next including the growing importance of machinery security.

Thanks to everyone who stopped for a chat yesterday. If you’re at GroundsFest today, come and say hello! 👋

16/09/2026

A strong example of the work being done to tackle machinery theft and protect rural communities.

Recovering suspected stolen machinery is an important part of the response but effective identification can also play a valuable role when assets are recovered.

Security marking can help deter theft and assist with identifying machinery and establishing its registered ownership.

We support the agricultural and groundcare sectors with forensic security marking and intelligent asset identification.

Read the full story: https://www.gmp.police.uk/news/greater-manchester/news/news/2026/september/rural-crime-week-2026/

15/09/2026

As National Rural Crime Action Week 2026 comes to an end, the conversation around rural crime must continue.

Throughout the week, we’ve highlighted the growing challenges facing rural communities from serious and organised crime and machinery theft to the impact of crime on farmers, rural businesses and their homes.

In this video, VIN Chip’s Nick Mayell shares his perspective on some of the key questions he has been asked during the week, including the biggest risks facing rural communities, the challenges of tackling rural crime, and what more can be done to protect them.

One message stands out: organised crime is organised.

That makes prevention, deterrence and the ability to identify stolen assets increasingly important.

We’re committed to helping protect the assets that rural communities rely on through forensic security marking and intelligent asset identification.

11/09/2026

Out and about with our installer network! 🤝

Mike and Scott from team VIN Chip have been out and about this week, catching up with Jason Newman at Newparts (Oxford) Ltd.

It’s always great to visit our installers in person, hear what’s happening in their businesses and see how things are going on the ground.

Newparts Oxford is going from strength to strength as a Solis U.K and CFMOTO UK dealer, and Jason and the team are doing a fantastic job supporting their customers.

They’ll be at two upcoming shows:
📍 GroundsFest Academy — 16–17 September
📍 Newbury Show Show — 19–20 September

Heading to either event? Make sure you stop by and say hello to Jason and the Newparts team! 👋

Thanks, Jason, for taking the time to meet with us and for your continued support of VIN Chip.

10/09/2026

Rural crime cannot be tackled by policing alone.

It takes knowledge. It takes collaboration. And it takes organisations willing to support the people working on the frontline.

At VIN Chip, we’re proud to support policing through specialist training in vehicle, machinery and asset identification, helping officers develop the knowledge and practical skills to identify stolen assets and recognise signs of theft and tampering.

From agricultural machinery and plant to trailers, ATVs, UTVs and other valuable assets, effective identification can play an important role in supporting the identification of stolen property.

Because technology is only part of the solution.

Sharing knowledge, building capability and strengthening connections between policing, businesses and rural communities can help strengthen the wider response to rural crime.

This , we’re recognising the organisations and individuals working together to support rural communities.

No single agency can tackle rural crime alone.
Collaboration is the way forward.