Security call for farmers as GPS thefts gear up

The NFU Mutual Media Centre is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by customers to make financial decisions. If you are a customer looking for further information, please visit our Contact Us page.  

• Cost of GPS theft up by 30% in first quarter of 2023 compared to same period last year, figures from NFU Mutual show
• Farmers urged to ramp up security measures such as removing the GPS kits when not in use
• Criminals look to capitalise on expensive farm equipment and fuel export market

Farmers are being urged to increase security in their farmyards and fields as GPS thefts ramp up in recent months.

Latest figures from NFU Mutual reveal the cost of GPS theft has gone up 30% in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the same period last year*.

And in recent weeks, thefts of expensive GPS equipment have been reported in the South West and North East of England, sparking concern other parts of the UK could be next.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging farmers to increase their security as thieves look to cash in on increased farmyard and field work activities.

Bob Henderson, who leads NFU Mutual’s Agricultural Engineering Field Team, said: “It is extremely concerning that thieves are taking advantage of increased spring activity to identify targets.

“As well as stealing vital equipment, criminals are leaving a trail of damage as they smash glass to gain access and crudely cut wires. Not only is this costly, but the theft of GPS kits can hinder farming operations as well as place additional pressures on the business.

“We’re urging all farmers to be on their guard and review and update their security, such as removing GPS equipment when not in use and storing it away from the machines. It is also worth taking pictures of the kit and recording any serial numbers.”

DC Chris Piggott, from the National Construction and Agri Thefts Team (NCATT), which forms part of the National Rural Crime Unit, added: “Intelligence shows offenders are willing to travel the length and breadth of the country to steal GPS kits and immediately export them out of the country.

“There is nowhere that they will not go, and these criminals have been targeting agricultural machinery dealerships as well as farms. It is incredibly important people remove GPS equipment from their machines and store it elsewhere.

“It may seem impractical, but GPS kits are hard to replace and if stolen, will severely impact a farm’s ability to carry out vital fieldwork.

“I’d also encourage anyone to overtly mark them so that they are undesirable for resale purposes. I’ve seen GPS kits which were nicked in the night but dumped when the marking was discovered. Make the marks identify the GPS kit as yours, such as putting a postcode or farm name.

“Also, if you have been a victim of this type of crime before, then I’d urge you to be extra vigilant as thieves are willing to target locations they already know and feel comfortable operating in.”

To protect GPS systems from thieves, NFU Mutual has issued farmers the following advice:

• Activate PIN security on GPS kit with your own unique number if available
• If your system is not pin enabled, mark your postcode to deter thieves and trace your property back to you
• Keep tractors and combines with GPS fitted stored out of sight when possible
• Remove GPS kit when possible from tractors and other machinery and store it securely when not in use
• Record serial numbers and photograph your kit
• Check serial numbers of second-hand kit offered for sale

- ends - 

Notes to editors:

Please credit photograph to NFU Mutual

*NFU Mutual claim costs January to March 2023 compared to same period in 2022

For more information please contact:

Hannah Binns, Rural Affairs Specialist

07779 992619

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