Our ‘Secret Weapon’ Stopping Thieves in Their Tracks
In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in high-value asset theft across the UK. The cause for concern is not only the loss of the asset itself, but also the fact that stolen assets are often used to fund other unlawful endeavours in the criminal underworld. Smarter Technologies’ Head of Global Risk, Mark Roche, is a well-known figure in the fight against organised crime. Mark is a highly-trained specialist, and is one of an elite group specially trained to manage recovery operations of high-value assets. Mark’s track record shows the highest rate of recovery in the UK.
Mark Roche has been involved in security operations since 2010. He also spent six years working in a covert capacity with the police. With his background in asset tracking and an understanding of criminal behaviour, Mark’s practical, on-the-ground experience in detection and recovery makes him an invaluable asset to police forces around the UK.
Smarter Technologies’ asset recovery division (with Mark at its helm) boasts:
- 95% recovery rate for all asset recovery operations
- Over £5 million recovered in the last four years
- The arrests of organised crime groups have been arrested
- The return of assets to their rightful owner
Mark’s experience and Smarter Technologies‘ state-of-the-art security solutions make for the ultimate team in combatting organised crime.
Smarter Technologies’ comprehensive security services
Mark has been using our tracking technology since it was first released: “I joined the Smarter Technologies team as I value the effectiveness of the tracking technology. In fact, I have been using Smarter Technologies’ equipment since 2007 in different roles. I was the first one ever to catch an organised crime gang when the kit was deployed in 2007.”
What makes Smarter Technologies different?
- Smarter Technologies’ Orion Data Network and devices are able to communicate directly with the police, which is vital in ensuring successful asset recoveries.
- Unlike other tracking technology in the market, Smarter Technologies offers a comprehensive crime prevention and a full range of recovery services.
Mark Roche says: “We are one of the only companies that not only sell you the products, but also look to actually recover the asset. If an incident occurs, we take away some of the stress from the client by dealing with the police, all the statements and the recovery process – and even the court cases where clients would normally have to face the criminal gang – keeping clients up to date as we go along.”
In partnership with the police
“I work with a network of police forces across the UK and Ireland. The issue is that police forces sometimes don’t have the resources to deal with asset theft. When it comes to their resource allocation and prioritisation between the theft of an asset and a case that involves potential preservation of life, the latter will always come first. My process involves liaising with police force wherever that asset was stolen from, working with the troops on the ground and locating the tracker to a precise location. I also advise on potential criminal escape roads.”
Mark also conducts awareness training with police officers in the UK and Ireland on how to use our smart tracking equipment to implement an effective recovery.
Jason Hendy, Head of Serious and Organised Crime, Essex and Kent Police, says: “I have worked with Mark Roche for a number of years, and his application of Smarter Technologies’ equipment has had a significant impact in reducing crime and improving recovery rates. Mark has helped catch more criminals with his equipment than any other company we know. Mark is also known now as an expert tracker across many police forces and trains officers on tracking. We look forward to continuing our association to ensure we maintain our position at the forefront of detection and the successful prosecution of criminal behaviour.”
Keeping a step ahead of the criminals
One of Mark’s greatest strengths is that he understands criminal behaviour and the approaches they take. He uses this knowledge to stay ahead of their tactic, not just in asset recovery, but also ensuring that criminals are less likely to steal the asset in the first place. At Smarter Technologies, we are continually investing in research and development to outsmart criminals with our technology.
“In the cat-and-mouse game of fighting criminal activity, it’s our goal to always be one step ahead of the criminals. We are building and strengthening an expert team to tackle asset recoveries across the global network.”
Contact Smarter Technologies today to chat to Mark Roche and step into the future of asset security.