Two things to be aware of this summer

FATIGUE & THIEVES: Two things to be aware of this summer

WORDS SUPPLIED BY FMG INSURANCE

Rural theft increases in January

FMG’s claims data shows that January is when thieves set out to steal from rural properties, says FMG’s Manager Advice, Stephen Cantwell. “January appears to be the month when thieves are most active. Not only are the number of claims higher in January but the average value of claims is 23% higher.” Whether you’re on holiday or on the farm, there are actions you can take to help to deter thieves targeting your property. “If you’re going away, get someone you trust to check in on your property. Ask them to clear your mailbox and entrances of all mail and if rubbish collections are operating in your area, ask them to put your rubbish out on your collection day. This approach is a good deterrent if thieves are scouting the area. “You could install automatic timer or sensor lighting around your property including at both the front and rear of your house. Mount them high enough to prevent criminals from being able to remove the bulb or cover the sensor.” Other tips include engraving valuable equipment—this makes it less desirable to thieves and easier to identify. It’s also a good idea to record details and serial numbers of high value assets on SNAP, a free online asset register created by the NZ Police at www.snap.org.nz. If you’re staying on farm be mindful that thieves also target quad bikes—and particularly older bikes—at this time of year. “Our experience is that older bikes are easier to sell off, which is what makes them so attractive to steal.” FMG claims’ data shows that quads are often stolen when the keys are left inside. This goes for other vehicles too. “This can happen even if you’re on farm and particularly if you’ve parked up to do some work and leave your bike unattended. We recommend keeping your keys on hand or out of sight, particularly when working in paddocks near public roads.”

FMG ADVISES FARMERS TO BE AWARE OF FATIGUE & THIEVES THIS SUMMER

Quad bike and side-by-side accidents increase during the summer months as the extra sunlight and warmer weather means more jobs are squeezed into the day. The Canterbury and Otago regions are overrepresented in side-by-side rollover claims compared to other regions. Thieves are also making the most of the summer months when people are away by targeting rural properties.

Fatigue is a leading cause of quad bike and side-by-side accidents

Chances are over the summer months you’ll be tempted to do more work on farm given the extra sunlight and warmer weather. FMG sees a higher amount of both quad bike and side-by-side claims during the summer months when more jobs are squeezed into the day which increases fatigue. “Fatigue can increase the risk of having an accident,” says Stephen. Te Kopuru farmer Chris Biddles experienced this firsthand when the quad bike accident that nearly cost his life was caused from fatigue. You can read about his experience on the Farmstrong website: farmstrong.co.nz/dangerously-tired. FMG also suggests that farmers should be equally aware of the dangers of side-by-sides. “Farmers are turning to side-by-sides as an alternative vehicle to quad bikes, over the past five years the amount of side-by-sides we’ve insured has doubled. Although they do come with their benefits, they don’t eliminate the risk of rollover. “Canterbury and Otago regions are actually overrepresented in side-by-side rollover claims, meaning, that per side-by-side insured they are receiving more claims than the average compared to other regions in New Zealand,” says Stephen.