Security

| Security Persistent far m quad bike thieves thr eaten critical lambing season, NFU Mutual war ns standard and fitting cost. Service which works closely with NFU Mutual to combat quad theft said:

Determined rural thieves are Bob explained that while many types of "Unfortunately the police find that once targeting expensive quad rural theft had fallen during COVID criminals know the layout of a farm they bikes used by farmers to tend restrictions the overall cost of agricultural may return to steal the replacement vehicle to livestock during the vehicle and machinery theft remained high, or other goods that they have scoped out lambing season, latest NFU as thieves were getting more 'bang for their previously." Mutual claim figures reveal. buck' by targeting high-value portable items such as quads and tractor GPS systems. Richard Willcox runs a 220-acre livestock The leading rural insurer's theft claims data farm near Highbridge in Somerset, rearing for 2020 reveals that while the number of The insurer is concerned that lockdown dairy heifers and a flock of 80 ewes. He quads stolen fell in 2020, thieves are easing could see a surge in thefts from grew up in a farming family and has lived increasingly targeting more expensive, farms and other rural properties as thieves and worked on the Somerset farm for over higher specification models. become more active again. 30 years. • NFU Mutual statistics reveal Welcoming the scheme DC Chris Piggott, In May 2020, Richard had a quad bike thieves are targeting newer, Agricultural Vehicle Lead for the National stolen, almost exactly a year to the day higher specification quads Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, said: from when one was stolen in broad daylight "After removal of keys, trackers and in May 2019. • Insurer launches free tracker and immobilisers are the most effective immobiliser scheme for customers measures against quad theft acting as both Richard explained: "My quad bike was to catch return thieves, following a a deterrent and also increasing the chance stolen from inside the workshop on the farm paid claim of police recovering the vehicle and overnight. They also took a strimmer, some catching the people behind these crimes." scrap batteries and other tools from the • Insurer warns thieves could workshop too. become more active as lockdown To help farmers cover the costs of fitting restrictions ease security devices to their equipment, NFU "A similar incident happened the year Mutual already offers insurance discounts before, but that time the quad was taken in Farm thieves are also stealing more all- for a range of devices from mechanical the middle of the afternoon. Returning after terrain (ATV), larger off-road vehicles. measures, CESAR marking, electronic being out for the afternoon, I found the These machines, which often seat two tracking to immobilisers. padlock on the gate broken and the quad people side-by side and have a load space was gone. CCTV from the property at the back, can cost two or three times as To protect quads and other ATVs from opposite captured a white van leaving and much as a quad bike. These vehicles now thieves, NFU Mutual and the National entering the property and they were in and represent 14% of all quad and ATV thefts, Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service is gone within just a few minutes. compared to 11% in 2019. issuing the following advice: "I have my suspicions that it was the same To help farmers protect their quads from • Always remove keys and keep them gang that returned this year. The quad is increasingly sophisticated thieves, NFU stored securely, away from the vehicle such a vital piece of kit that they must have Mutual is providing updated security advice. known that I would replace it. It is also launching a pilot scheme with • When not in use, keep quads and allmanufacturers starting with Yamaha and terrain-vehicles locked up out of sight "Since the second theft, I have invested in a Honda to provide customers with free steel roller shutter on the workshop and a tracking and immobilisation equipment on • Install tracking devices and motion sensor inside that alerts us at the vehicles bought to replace stolen quads immobilisers to make it easier for house to any movement at night. The new and ATVS, following a paid claim. police to recover stolen vehicles - most quad also has a tracker installed. modern tracking devices are GPS Bob Henderson, Technical Engineering enabled, with alarms/alerts that will "The theft in 2019 occurred when I had left Manager at NFU Mutual, said: "Quad bikes send a message informing you if your the farm for the afternoon and you have are a vital tool on modern livestock farms. machine is being tampered with. You that thought in the back of your head each During harsh, cold months and at lambing can also set working hours and time the farm is vacant that something like times farmers face a massive struggle to Geofences to alert you if a machine is that might happen again." keep their sheep fed and safe if thieves being moved outside of a pre-set strike and leave them without a quad at the working area. Richard has also experienced cases of busiest time of year. "cold-callers" coming to the farm to stake • Use CESAR marking to deter thieves out what is there and, having spoken to "Rural thieves target quads and other farm and enable police to identify stolen neighbours and fellow farmers, knows that all-terrain vehicles because they're machinery there are often sightings of suspicious expensive kit with a ready resale market in vehicles in the area. this country and abroad. However, their • Target-harden your quad by creating light weight makes them easier to steal a security cage or use a mechanical "It is unsettling to think that people might be than heavier equipment such as tractors. device such as steering brake/lock, staking out the farm and trying to work out ground anchor or wheel clamp when what we have here, particularly as it's not "We know that thieves often return to a not in use - these devices are both just a place of work but my home too. I'm farm where they have stolen a quad in the visible and physical deterrents to sure the thieves know the layout of farms in hope of being able to steal its new thieves the area and come prepared to load up replacement. That's why we're working on a quads and any other equipment they can scheme initially with manufacturers Honda • Know what you own – keep records of get their hands on. and Yamaha with Datatool to install free serial numbers and photographs of tracking devices and immobilisers to protect your kit including unique identifying "I get cold callers coming to the farm our customers from repeat crime. features offering to buy scrap metal, but I can tell which ones are genuine and know that the "We also want to help keep farmers - who • When buying a new quad insist on a others are using it as a chance to get on often work alone - safe. The immobiliser chipped key and immobilisation site and see what's here." systems have smart technology which can system raise the alarm if a machine has been As a sole trader, Richard relies on his quad impacted or rolled over." More advice on farm vehicle security and to get him out and around the farm quickly, details of security premium discounts is using it for everything from rounding up To help members who have been the victim available in NFU Mutual's 2020 Rural Crime sheep to getting feed to cattle. of quad theft to get up and running again, Report: https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/ NFU Mutual is covering the cost of the farming/ruralcrime/ "I use the quad almost every day so it had a tracker and immobiliser installation and the real impact on my work not having one first year's subscription. The insurer is also Repeat theft case study when it was stolen, I really couldn't do looking to install trackers and immobilisers without it," he added. on other brands if they meet the required DC Chris Piggott, Agricultural Vehicle Lead at the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence

| Security Tracking technology leads the fight in r ural crime

As crime in rural areas and particularly on farms and smallholdings continues to rise, agriculture tracking experts, ATVTrac, have reported a significant increase in the adoption of their tracking technology and dealer uptake across the UK. Initially launched into the UK market in 2012, following the parent company’s experience and proven track record in motorcycle security, ATVTrac offered a dedicated security product, enabling owners of farm machinery to have a live link to their machines 24/7 regardless of location. Bringing updated security functions including GPS, GPRS and Radio Frequency, ATVTrac added new functions in 2017, including lone worker security, battery voltage alerts and service reminders too, offering a more than just a security focussed product. As well as dealer and customer interest, ATVTrac is now endorsed by ten manufacturers with discounts available on Insurance from the NFU too. Most recently, Polaris adopted the system as standard fitment on its adult models too, with a handful of thefts thwarted due to ATVTrac since. ATVTrac’s key attribute is the unit’s physical size and internal battery, allowing for fitment to virtually every piece of farm machinery, from ATVs to UTVs, to Tractors, Land Rovers, 4x4s and even trailers too. And thanks to an online portal and dedicated iPhone and Android apps, owners can check 24/7 for location and even see multiple assets on one screen. As well as proven security features, ATVTrac also offers useful additional functions too, such as the log of usage (hours and mileage), the ability to set alerts for servicing or maintenance and even an emergency alert should the vehicle be involved in a roll-over incident; a great function for lone workers. ATVTrac can be installed on many types of farming machinery, with full support provided via the 24/7 Secure Operating Centre as well as additional support from Securitas too in circumstances where police resources are stretched. For more information on the unit and pricing, please visit www.atvtrac.co.uk