Farmers across Wiltshire are being urged to ramp up security measures following a recent surge in Global Positioning System (GPS) thefts.
NFU Mutual and the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) have reported a sharp increase in these crimes, affecting farms in Lincolnshire, Essex, Newport, North Yorkshire, and the Thames Valley.
Organised criminals have been targeting GPS systems, which are crucial for modern farming operations, due to their high value and portability. These devices are used for precision positioning in cultivation and harvesting, making them a lucrative target for theft.
Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist, expressed concern over this troubling trend. “This new wave of GPS theft is incredibly alarming, especially as farmers start gearing up for the busy harvest period. It is also worrying to hear that thieves are targeting farms who have previously had GPS stolen, considering the financial and emotional impact these crimes have already had on those farmers.”
Binns advises farmers to take several precautionary steps to protect their GPS equipment. These include removing GPS units from tractors, combines, and other machinery when not in use and storing them securely. If removal is not practical, farmers should park vehicles out of sight. Additionally, forensically marking, painting, or scratching the farm name or postcode onto the GPS units can deter thieves and make the items harder to sell.
Superintendent Andrew Huddleston, head of the NRCU, noted the involvement of organised crime groups. “Organised crime groups are once again operating in the countryside, targeting previous victims, especially those who have had GPS stolen in the last two years. While there have been several recent successful arrests, the new spate of GPS thefts shows the determination of these criminal groups. We’re urging all farmers to be vigilant and take security steps.”
Huddleston emphasised the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities. “It is vital that we receive information and intelligence to help us. If you see any suspicious activity, particularly vehicles moving around at any time of the day, please share this information on rural watch groups and with the police so we can arrest those responsible.”
In response to the rising thefts, NFU Mutual and the NRCU are collaborating with manufacturers and the Government to improve security and push for new legislation aimed at making the theft of machinery and GPS units more difficult. A new law addressing this issue is anticipated later this year.
GPS Security Guide:
- Activate PIN security on GPS kits using a unique number.
- Mark your postcode on the unit’s case to deter thieves and enable traceability.
- Store tractors and combines with GPS systems out of sight when possible.
- Remove GPS kits from machinery and store them securely when not in use.
- Record serial numbers and photograph your equipment.
- Check serial numbers of second-hand GPS kits offered for sale.
- Consider using security marking products like SelectaDNA to aid recovery of stolen items and deter theft.
For more information on protecting your equipment, visit the Wiltshire Police website.
