Warning to farmers about tractor GPS device thefts

Farmers are being urged to be remove GPS devices from tractors overnight following recent thefts in other counties.

Advice to prevent thefts of GPS devices includes:

• Removing GPS guidance receivers, aerials and antenna globes from tractors when not in use and keep them in a secure locked place whenever possible
• Consider fitting security tethers or brackets to stop units being removed
• Mark your postcode on GPS units – either with a UV pen, engraving tool or a forensic marking system
• Store machinery in locked buildings where possible
• Where locking machines isn’t an option, consider fitting mains or battery-operated alarms to cover around the perimeter of areas where machines are stored
• CCTV and intruder alarms will deter most thieves, but make sure they are checked regularly to ensure they work when you need them and they are placed where they won’t be triggered with animals
• Record machinery serial numbers and photograph kit to help police identify stolen items and increase the changes of them being recovered.

Chief Inspector Mark Thorley, commander of Moorlands Neighbourhood Policing Team, is one of the force’s leads for rural and wildlife crime. He said: “This trend is deeply worrying for farmers who are investing in high-tech equipment to make their farms more efficient and reduce pollution.

“In an attempt to stop thieves targeting GPS kits, some manufacturers now provide personal identification numbers (PINs) to prevent the equipment being used by others.

“Most GPS kits in use on farms today are fitted to tractors as an easily-removable accessory. To prevent thefts, farms should remove the kit when it’s not in use and store it under lock and key.”

Report any suspicious behaviour by messaging Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter, calling 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.