Selectamark appoints Simon Ashton as Vehicle Industry Liaison
Simon's new role will further strengthen the firm’s position in the vehicle security industry, drawing on his extensive experience in investigating and analysing vehicle crime.
Simon (right) will help promote the company's visible and covert marking solutions, including its forensic marking solution SelectaDNA (www.selectadna.co.uk), which has already proved highly successful across the UK and Europe, reducing theft by up to 83% in some areas. The range includes a Vehicle Marking Kit for use as a theft deterrent on cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, quad bikes, marine craft, caravans, trailers and agricultural and construction plant.
As a former Metropolitan Police Officer, Simon was part of the Organised Vehicle Crime Unit at New Scotland Yard and had a remit to engage with vehicle manufacturers, government, industry, and international police forces to reduce vehicle crime. He has investigated numerous organised crime syndicates and networks operating on an international basis.
Among his many achievements, Simon engaged with the Home Office as a high level advisor leading to an overall 25% reduction of serious and organised crime in the vehicle sector.
He also worked as an advisor on a special project with Thatcham Security Research exploring initiatives to combat electronic keyless theft affecting London and the UK.
Simon is the 2nd Vice President of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) and has chaired various groups including the National Police Autocrime Forum, British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association and Europol Legislation Group; as well as being police advisor and committee member of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Vehicle Security Steering Group, DVLA Liaison Group, and Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA).
Simon was instrumental in challenging the MCIA to join with Senior Police Officers in a London campaign to reduce motorcycle and scooter theft. He also persuaded the Home Office and SMMT to review European legislation which directly affected security measures imposed by vehicle manufacturers.
James Brown, MD of Selectamark, said: “I am delighted to welcome Simon to the team. He brings a wealth of specialist expertise and knowledge with him. He will help us provide new and innovative security marking and identification solutions at a time when theft of all types of vehicles is a major problem. Our ultimate aim is to significantly drive down theft in the vehicle industry, and Simon’s appointment is key to us achieving this.”
