Increase in quad thefts putting pressure on farmers

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• Quad theft from farms rising as thieves cash in on high prices and high demand
• NFU Mutual statistics reveal worst hit areas of the UK for quad theft
• Insurer working with manufacturers on free tracker and immobiliser scheme following a paid claim, to protect customers from returning thieves
• Farmers working on their own looking after thousands of sheep rely on quads

A sharp rise in thefts of quad bikes is putting extra pressure on sheep farmers at the busiest time of year.

Latest theft claims figures from rural insurer NFU Mutual show a 26% annual increase in the cost of quad theft bringing the total value to £2.8m in 2022. A continued increase in thefts this year has prompted a warning to farmers to ramp up their security.

Quad thefts at busy lambing time can leave farmers struggling to look after their sheep when they are at their most vulnerable.

With thieves targeting the many sheep farms where quads are a vital tool, NFU Mutual is advising farmers to take extra security measures to avoid becoming victims.

Bob Henderson from the Agricultural Engineering Team at NFU Mutual said: “Quads are a vital tool for farmers who often look after hundreds of sheep single-handedly.

“A shortage of new machines has driven the price of second-hand quads higher and this has led to a feeding-frenzy from criminal gangs who steal the vehicles to sell on in the UK and across the globe.

“Farmers are waking up to noises in their farmyards to find that thieves have cut through toughened locks and smashed barn doors to steal their quads.

“The thefts leave farmers with extra work when their sheep and new-born lambs need constant attention, and bad weather means quads are often the only way to get to them in remote hilly areas.

“The supply chain problems which are driving up prices are also making it difficult for farmers to source replacement machines when their quads are stolen.”

To help protect farmers, NFU Mutual is working with quad manufacturers to provide customers with free tracking and immobilisation equipment on vehicles bought to replace stolen quads and ATVs, following a paid claim.

Bob Henderson added: “Today’s criminals will spend time watching farms to see where quads are kept and then come back with tools to break in and steal them.

“To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of quad theft it’s vital to always remove keys when not on the machine and always secure your quad when it’s not in use.

“Thieves often will return to a farm where they have stolen a quad in the hope of being able to steal its replacement. To beat repeat quad thefts, we’re working with manufacturers to provide our customers who have had a quad stolen with free tracking devices and immobilisers.”

DC Chris Piggott, from the National Construction and Agri Thefts Team (NCATT), which forms part of the National Rural Crime Unit, added: “Tracking, immobilisation and security marking are the most effective measures against quad theft as they deter thieves and make it easier for police to catch the gangs behind these crimes.

“To avoid buying a stolen piece of kit and fuelling the criminal trade, we’re urging farmers to obtain serial numbers for the quad and check these with companies such as HPI who can fully provenance them.

“Also speak to your local dealership to see if they have any records of the quad or ask for copies of original invoices from the seller.

“Do not meet people in lay-bys or service stations, go to their house and conduct your business inside to ensure they are a resident there.

“Anyone who has any information about quad theft should report it by calling 101 or sharing information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

NFU Mutual has introduced more incentives for members to invest in prevention through a new discount scheme for Scorpion security products, in addition to its existing agricultural vehicle insurance policy discounts for members who use measures such as CESAR marking, approved trackers, immobilisers and mechanical devices.

The rural insurer is also working closely with MPs and the Government to help support legislation going through Parliament which will hopefully see increased security as standard on new ATVs being sold in the future.

NFU Mutual and the National Rural Crime Unit are issuing the following advice:

• Always remove keys and keep them stored securely, away from the vehicle
• When not in use, keep quads and ATVs locked up out of sight
• Install tracking devices and immobilisers to make it easier for police to recover stolen vehicles - most modern tracking devices are GPS enabled, with alarms/alerts that will send a message informing you if your machine is being tampered with. You can also set working hours and geofences to alert you if a machine is being moved outside of a pre-set working area
• Use CESAR marking to deter thieves and enable police to identify stolen machinery
• Target-harden your quad by creating a security cage or use a mechanical device such as steering brake/lock, ground anchor or wheel clamp when not in use - these devices are both visible and physical deterrents to thieves
• Know what you own – keep records of serial numbers and photographs of your kit including unique identifying features
• When buying a new quad ask for a chipped key and immobilisation system

NFU Mutual and the National Rural Crime Unit have produced theft prevention videos on quad and farm vehicle security which are available at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCGdB27NXuooScjLAfZCaVjesU8sd06u8 

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

HPI is a market leading vehicle history checking service.

For further information, please contact:

Hannah Binns, Rural Affairs Specialist

07779992619

hannah_binns@nfumutual.co.uk

About NFU Mutual:

NFU Mutual offers a wide range of products, including general insurance, life, pensions, and investments. These products and services are delivered through our network of NFU Mutual Agent offices, as well as through our direct sales and service centres. With 295 local businesses located in rural towns and villages throughout the UK, NFU Mutual has become part of the fabric of rural life and remains committed to serving the needs of our members nationwide.

NFU Mutual is proud to deliver more than simply insurance. Making farming safer, supporting rural initiatives across the UK and helping to look after the environment are just some of the ways we do that. To find out more about everything we do to support our communities, visit https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/about-us/responsible-business