Harvest security alert as cost of GPS thefts doubles

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• Cost of GPS theft doubled in first four months of 2023 compared to same period last year*, figures from NFU Mutual show
• April was second worst month on record for GPS thefts
• Fears harvest season could be disrupted by thefts of essential GPS technology

Rural insurer NFU Mutual has issued a security alert to farmers after thefts of expensive global positioning systems (GPS) doubled in the first four months of 2023.

Used to provide precision positioning for cultivation and harvesting operations on farms across the world, GPS systems have become one of the most targeted pieces of farm equipment because of their high cost and portability.

April saw GPS thefts hit the second-highest monthly level ever reported to NFU Mutual. The leading rural insurer is now concerned that the criminal gangs responsible for the farm-tech crime wave could be planning to take advantage of the busy harvest season to attack even more farms, causing widespread delays and disruption.

Latest figures from NFU Mutual reveal the cost of GPS theft exceeded £500,000 in the first four months of the year. The insurer is urging farmers to review security as harvest approaches to avoid becoming a victim. 

Bob Henderson, who leads NFU Mutual’s Agricultural Engineering Field Team, said: “The scale of GPS theft we’re currently seeing makes it vital that farmers take all possible steps to protect their GPS equipment by removing it from tractors, combines and other machines and locking it up securely when not in use.

“The busy harvesting season is rapidly approaching. We are very concerned that the gangs committing these thefts will be upping their game.

“Supply chain problems cause long waits for replacement GPS equipment, which leads to serious disruption to farmers and prevents them gathering their crops in prime condition.

“Disrupting worldwide criminal distribution lines for gangs to sell-on stolen GPS equipment is the key to controlling this crime wave, so we’re working closely with police, machinery manufacturers and farmers to make it more difficult for these gangs to operate.”

Superintendent Andrew Huddleston, who leads the National Rural Crime Unit, added: “Organised and determined criminal gangs are now targeting GPS equipment on farms across the length and breadth of the UK, with five thefts in Kent in the last week alone.

“We also saw a GPS theft in Northumberland last week, but the suspect has since been arrested and deported.

“These criminal gangs are putting a lot of effort into identifying farm equipment fitted with GPS, watching those farms and even using drones to spot opportunities to return at night. They go to great lengths to get hold of kit, breaking through locked gates and buildings security systems to take GPS from machinery.

“Removing GPS units from your machinery at night and locking it in a well-secured cabinet is the best way to stop these criminals. While it’s inconvenient to spend several minutes removing equipment after a hard day’s work, that’s preferable to losing it to the gangs, with long delays of weeks, or even months, to get hold of replacement units.

“When it’s not practical to remove units from machines because of ongoing work away from the farmstead, try and park up machinery where it can’t be seen easily.

“Either forensically marking, painting or scratching your farm name or post code onto your GPS makes them less attractive to thieves and harder to sell-on.

“And if you see any suspicious vehicles moving around at any time of the day, then please share this information on rural watch groups and the police to help build the picture.

“Most of the stolen units are going abroad, but some are offered for sale online here. If something is offered cheap, there’s a reason – don’t fuel illegal activity by buying from these adverts.”

NFU Mutual GPS Security Guide

• Activate PIN security on GPS kit with your own unique number if available
• Mark your postcode on the unit’s case 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

Notes to editors:

*Comparison of NFU Mutual claims data Jan-April 2022 and 2023

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