Latest theft claims figures from the rural insurer 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 into 2023 has highlighted the need for adopting additional security measures to deter criminals.

With thieves targeting many sheep farms where quads are a vital tool, further thefts can leave farmers struggling to look after their sheep as lambing season approaches.

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.

“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 issues which are driving prices up are also making it difficult for farmers to source replacement machines when their vehicles are stolen, Mr Henderson explained.

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.

“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,” Mr Henderson continued.

“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,” he added.

DC Chris Piggott, from the National Construction and Agri Thefts Team (NCATT), which forms part of the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU), said tracking, immobilisation and security markings can effectively 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.”

Mr Piggott also recommends obtaining records or copies of original invoices when purchasing quads from local dealerships. What’s more, he strongly advises against conducting business in lay-bys or service stations and proposes meeting people in their homes instead 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,” Mr Piggott added.

To encourage investment in crime prevention, NFU Mutual has introduced  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.

Safety advice for farmers

NFU Mutual and the NRCU have issued the following advice to prevent more farmers becoming victims:

• 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

For more information on quad and farm vehicle security, NFU Mutual and the NRCU have produced theft prevention videos which are available at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCGdB27NXuooScjLAfZCaVjesU8sd06u8

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New figures from Defra have shown a total of 4,156 agricultural fly-tipping incidents were recorded across England in 2021/22, down from 5,538 incidents the previous year. The data reflects a nationwide decline in fly-tipping from 1.13m to 1.09m.

Although the figures are encouraging, it is important that farmers and landowners continue to remain vigilant and take steps to deter criminals from polluting the environment, Rupert Wailes-Fairbairn, of rural insurance broker Lycetts, said.

“Making it difficult for environmental criminals to access land is one of the most effective preventative measures you can take.

“Gates should be locked when not in use, fences should be in a good state of repair and hedges should be cut back to allow good visibility for property owners,” he advised.

Given that most fly-tippers operate under the cover of darkness, Mr Wailes-Fairbairn suggested installing exterior lighting as an extra measure of security. “Security cameras can also be an effective deterrent, and can help secure successful prosecutions,” he added.

Alongside posing a risk to the environment, fly-tipping can be a significant legal and financial burden. While local authorities will cover the costs of clearing waste from public land, farmers and other landowners are responsible for cleaning and removing waste from their own land.

With clean-up costs averaging £1,000 and large-scale incidents costing up to £10,000, fly-tipping can lead to substantial economic setback for farmers, and failure to comply with the law can result in prosecution.

To avoid such costly expenditures, Wailes-Fairbairn recommended a combined farm insurance policy, which covers the clean-up costs, typically capped between £10,000 and £15,000 for the insurance period.

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Farmers should be wary of product for sale from unknown or suspicious sources, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has warned.

AIC added that crop protection and agronomy companies and farming businesses should be alert to the risk of further thefts in the area and nationally as the spring season of use approaches. Businesses may wish to review their security arrangements.

The break-in occurred at a major distributor’s store in Norfolk in the early hours of the morning on 6th February.

Products stolen from the store included a large quantity of herbicides for spring use in a range of crops including cereals, potatoes, and sugar beet. The names of specific products taken are Grazon, Basagran, Artist, Broadway Star, Maister, Signum, and Pacifica Plus.

Hazel Doonan, AIC’s head of crop protection and agronomy, said: “Any business or individual selling or supplying professional PPPs must hold the BASIS certificate in Crop Protection.

“Growers should be wary of inadvertently handling stolen goods and the potential damage to their business reputation, including the risk of breaching some farm assurance standards around traceability of inputs.

“Therefore, growers should be extremely cautious if they are offered product that appears to be exceptionally cheap or does not come from a known and reputable distribution company.

“We strongly urge anyone who is approached to buy PPPs from an unknown or suspicious seller to report the details to the police by calling 101, or to make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers UK by calling 0800 555 111.”

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Ensuring the farmyard has effective security in place is the first step to deterring fuel thieves.

Diesel thefts reported to the UK’s leading rural insurer more than doubled in 2022 as the price of diesel rocketed, with latest NFU Mutual claims figures showing the cost of diesel theft rose to a record £886,197 during the year.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite and diesel prices remain close to record levels, the insurer is concerned that diesel raids could continue to increase in coming months.

September was the costliest month last year, with claims amounting to £229,537 compared to £36,237 in 2021.

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns says “With diesel costing around £1.75 at the pumps, farmers’ fuel tanks are now like liquid gold to thieves.

“Farmers need fuel to keep the nation fed, so these thefts are a major concern for agriculture at a time when fast-rising input costs are adding further pressures on rural businesses.

“As well as the loss of vital fuel, thieves often damage tanks leaving fuel running into the ground where it can cause horrendous pollution as well as an increased fire risk.

“We are urging farmers and other rural businesses to review and upgrade their security systems to protect diesel stocks from thieves.”

Ensuring the farmyard has effective security in place is the first step to deterring fuel thieves, says Andy Manson, managing director of NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Limited.

“Where possible, locate fuel tanks where the can be seen from the farmhouse, ideally within an enclosed compound with secured access. It is worth considering fitting a fuel tank alarm to notify you of an attack on fuel tanks.”

NFU Mutual Farm diesel security tips: 

Fuel tanks

• Where possible locate the tank where it can be viewed from the farmhouse.
• Ideally tanks should be within an enclosed compound with secured access.
• Fit a fuel tank alarm to notify you of an attack on fuel tanks. Remote electronic fuel level gauges will set off an audible or monitored alarm if the fuel level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a defined level.
• Make sure that the tank is suitably bunded to prevent release into the ground, causing pollution.
• Record the number, location, tank storage capacity and the date/times when tanks are filled and regularly check levels.

Vehicles and machinery

• Use locking fuel filler caps.
• Keep tractors and powered machinery locked up and out of sight from public roads and footpaths when not in use, to prevent thieves draining their fuel tanks.
• Only fill fuel bowsers with the amount needed for the day and return fuel bowsers to locked buildings when not in use.
• Check your fuel gauge is not showing irregularities in fuel levels.

Site security

• Keep field and farmyard gates closed and locked, and block exit points that aren’t used.
• Activate intruder alarm systems, which may have a local sounder or remotely monitored signalling.
• Install security lighting to illuminate any suspicious activity.
• Consider fitting motion detectors or CCTV.

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Darker nights combined with the cost of living crisis could lead to an increase in thefts.

A recent poll by NFU Mutual revealed 89% of respondents believe inflation will lead to an increase in rural crime. Top targets for rural thieves, according to claims data, are farm vehicles, including tractors, quad bikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) pick-up trucks, and Land Rover Defenders.

This year trailers are also being stolen in large numbers, the insurer says.

Increases in the prices of diesel, heating oil, fertiliser and machinery are making farms more attractive targets for criminals. Large-scale fuel theft is plaguing farms, with reports of tank raiders stealing over 1,000 litres in recent weeks. Thieves are also continuing to steal expensive tractor GPS systems.

High food prices could also lead to a resurgence of livestock rustling, making it vital for stock markings to be clear and stock regularly checked through winter months, NFU Mutual advised.

Rural affairs specialist Rebecca Davidson said: “Pre-Covid, NFU Mutual would see farm theft costs increase in the last three months of the year when dark nights and bad weather provided cover for criminals to get on to farms unseen.

“This year we’re very concerned that rising inflation and the energy crisis could be the catalyst for an epidemic of crime in the countryside.

“We’re continuing to provide financial support for prevention initiatives because we know crime is a huge worry for farmers and their families.

“Knowing that criminals are watching farms like hawks to spot opportunities to steal causes high levels of anxiety and makes it difficult for farming families to live a normal life.

“Strong security measures do deter thieves but need regularly updating to remain effective as thieves are adept at finding ways to defeat them.

“As the clocks go back it’s a good time to look at your farm from the perspective of a would-be thief and take action to put new measures in place if you spot weaknesses.

“Because every farm is different, each one needs a different approach, often combining physical security on gates and doors, electronic devices such as alarms, lights, immobilisers and trackers, and practical steps such as hiding valuable kit out of sight. Local farm watch groups and WhatsApp networks are also very useful to keep up to date with local crime trends.”

New advice on protecting rural property to avoid becoming a victim of rural crime is available as the NFU Mutual’s 2022 Rural Crime report and the insurer’s latest advice videos.

NFU Mutual’s winter farm security guide:

• Lock outbuildings at night and carry out regular security checks during colder months
• Close and lock yard gates at night to deter drive-through thieves
• Ensure security lighting, intruder alarms and cameras are working correctly
• Don’t leave vehicles and implements where they can be easily seen from nearby roads by criminals searching for theft opportunities
• Never leave keys in machines when not in use
• Remove GPS systems where possible and lock them in a secure place overnight
• Store diesel and heating oil in tanks away from the public gaze and consider a fuel tank alarm
• Store fertiliser in a secure building
• Keep portable tools such as chain saws, jet washers and welders in a secure locked ‘cage’
• Regularly review farm insurance to make sure everything is adequately covered as prices rise
• Join a local farm watch group or WhatsApp network to keep updated about local rural crime trends and suspicious sightings
• Mark tools, equipment and implements to deter thieves and aid recovery by police
• Use tracking devices, immobilisers and CESAR-marking on tractors and quadbikes to deter thieves
• Use mechanical devices to anchor down quads
• Ensure livestock makings are clear and regularly check stock numbers
• ‘Know what you own’ – record all makes, models, serial numbers and photograph kit to help police investigate and aid an insurance claim
• Ask neighbours to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report them to police.

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Before you head out on the farm, it’s important to check the power lines above you. This small step could make all the difference to staying safe and accident-free. Always be aware of the height of machinery that will be in use near power lines and ensure there’s plenty of clearance – remember that electricity can ‘jump’ if an object comes near enough.

If you do come into contact with an overhead line or cable, stay in your cab if it’s safe to do so and call 105 immediately, this is the free UK-wide single emergency number for power companies and is the quickest way to put you through to the correct network operator.

If the situation is too dangerous to stay put, for example, if your machinery is affected by fire, it’s advised that you leap out of the vehicle as high and as far as you can to avoid touching any part of the machinery or electricity network.

If you would like further information on staying safe when working near power lines, please visit https://www.ssen.co.uk/power-cuts-emergencies/keeping-safe/

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After a lengthy police investigation, Jeffery Hughes, 45, of John Street, Bridgwater and Gareth Hayward, 19, of Coleridge Square, Bridgwater, have been convicted of theft and dishonest handling of property.

The thefts included quad bikes and trailers and a 4×4 vehicle and motorhome with a combined value of £45,000.

The pair appeared at Taunton Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday 10th February.

Hughes was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also made subject to an overnight curfew and fitted with an electronic tag.

Hayward was given a Community Order for 180 hours and disqualified from driving for two years.

The convictions follow a partnership operation set up to tackle rural crime in west Somerset – led by Sedgemoor Neighbourhood Policing Team with Avon and Somerset’s Rural Affairs Unit and the burglary focus team.

Superintendent Dickon Turner, Somerset commander and rural affairs lead, said:

“This conviction is a result of hard work by the Sedgemoor neighbourhood team, Rural Affairs Unit and our dedicated burglary officers.

“A thorough, intelligence-led investigation, assisted by members of the Somerset Farmwatch community, has resulted in the disruption of serious criminal enterprise and enabled the recovery of high value stolen property, which we were pleased to be able to return to its rightful owners.

“We will continue to take a robust approach to pursuing offenders who threaten the well-being and livelihoods of people who live and work in our rural communities. We urge the public to continue to report rural thefts, damage and wildlife crimes to us, and tell us about any suspicious behaviour they witness.”

For more farm safety news, visit our website.

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Unfortunately, the latest figures show that instances of fly tipping continue to rise, with Defra stating that during the 2020/21 year, local authorities in England dealt with 1.13 million fly-tipping incidents, an increase of 16% from the 980,000 reported in 2019/20. Just for dealing with large fly-tipping incidents, the cost of clearance to local authorities in England in 2020/21 was £11.6 million, compared with £10.9 million in 2019/20.

The statistics are disappointing, but may not be surprising to land owners and farmers who privately deal with fly-tipping on a regular basis. The statistics from Defra only include instances of fly-tipping on public land, with farmers and organisations already responding that the data only covers a fraction of the problem. The cost to private landowners is likely to exceed the £11.6million paid to clear public land. With many land owners feeling unsupported as they are left with the financial burden, and task of clearing the rubbish.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) have stated that one of its members is facing a bill of over £100,000 to clear up just one fly-tipping incident.

Mark Tufnell, President of the CLA, responded to the report from Defra: “These figures do not tell the full story of this disgraceful behaviour which blights our beautiful countryside.

“Local authorities tend not to get involved with clearing incidences of fly-tipped waste from private land, leaving the landowner to clean up and foot what is often an extortionate bill. The government figures do not reflect the true scale of the crime because increasing reports of fly-tipping on private rural land are not included […] It’s not just the odd bin bag but large household items, from unwanted sofas to broken washing machines, building materials and even asbestos being dumped across our countryside.

“Although the maximum fine for anyone caught fly-tipping is £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment, if convicted in a Magistrates’ Court, this is rarely enforced. Unless tougher or more realistic action is taken to combat this kind of rural crime, it will continue to wreak devastation across rural communities.”

To add to farmers’ frustration the report from Defra also suggests that less people are being penalised for fly-tipping, despite the rise in incidents. It states:

• Local authorities carried out 456,000 enforcement actions in 2020/21, a decrease of 18,000 actions (4%) from 474,000 in 2019/20.
• The number of fixed penalty notices issued was 57,600 in 2020/21, a decrease of 24% from 75,400 in 2019/20. This is the second most common action after investigations and accounted for 13% of all actions in 2020/21.
• The number of court fines issued decreased by 51% from 2,672 to 1,313 in 2020/21, with the value of total fines decreasing to £440,000 (a decrease of 62% on the £1,170,000 total value of fines in 2019/20).

It is thought that instances of the crime have increased over the past couple of years partly due to the effect lockdowns have had on legal dumps opening. Though many instances are also linked to organised criminal activity.

Responding to the figures, Sarah Lee, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the Countryside Alliance said: “These figures confirm the shocking scale of the problem before us. From quiet rural lanes and farmers’ fields to bustling town centres and residential areas, fly-tipping continues to cause misery across the country. It is incredibly concerning to see that despite a substantial increase in fly-tipping incidents, enforcement action is down. Fly-tippers, be they acting alone or as part of an organised criminal gang, need to know that their selfish actions will result in robust punishment.”

NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts said: “These figures are incredibly disappointing, particularly when the number of local authority enforcement actions, fixed penalty notices and fines handed out by the courts to offenders are all down. It also confirms what we heard from our members during the first lockdown that fly-tipping incidents spiraled out of control, particularly when waste and recycling centres closed.

“Fly-tipping continues to plague the lives of many of us living and working in the countryside. It’s not just the odd bin bag but old kitchen appliances, sofas and industrial-scale amounts of rubbish, such as builder’s rubble and hazardous materials. This affects farmers working hard to produce food and care for the environment, but it also takes a huge toll emotionally and financially and impacts on mental health.

“Significant progress needs to be made to stop it from happening. Let’s start by properly punishing those offenders who are caught dumping waste illegally with punitive fines, so they act as a deterrent.”

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As the clocks go back on 31^st October, the last quarter of the year could see an increase in rural crime due to dark winter nights and fewer people out and about after dark, NFU Mutual is warning.

The warning comes as organised criminal gangs continue to target farms in overnight raids for expensive GPS systems and quad bikes. In some cases, thieves who already know the layout of farms, are targeting victims of theft a second time.

Shortages and sharp rises in the cost of diesel, heating oil and fertiliser are also raising the risk of vital supplies becoming top targets for rural thieves this winter.

NFU Mutual reported that the cost of rural theft in the UK fell by 20 per cent to £43.3m in 2020 as lockdown measures helped keep thieves out of the countryside. However, in recent years (2018 and 2019), the cost of rural theft peaked from October to December and there are increasing concerns thieves are becoming more active as they are able to move more freely again.

Reviewing your security

Robin Till, of NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Ltd, said: “Now is a good time of year to step up security and assess how you have set out your stall. Are your entrance and exit points secure, and are there expensive items on display? Could you target-harden valuable items with multiple layers of security?

“While thieves like the cover of darkness, they hate anything that will announce their arrival so intruder alarms, security lighting and systems which send alerts and CCTV footage to mobile phones are good deterrents.”

NFU Mutual is urging farmers to secure stocks of fertiliser, diesel and heating oil as prices soar.

“These thefts cause disruption and huge anxiety in the farming community and we want to work together to make it harder for criminals to steal from our farms and villages,” Mr Till added.

Farm winter rural security checklist:

• Close and lock yard gates at night to deter drive-through thieves
• Lock outbuildings at night and carry out regular security checks during colder months
• Ensure security lighting, intruder alarms and cameras are working correctly
• Avoid leaving vehicles and implements where they can be easily seen from nearby roads by criminals searching for theft opportunities
• Never leave keys in machines when not in use
• Remove GPS systems where possible and lock them in a secure place overnight
• Store diesel and heating oil in tanks away from the public gaze and consider a fuel tank alarm
• Store fertiliser in a secure building
• Store portable tools such as chain saws, jet washers and welders in a secure locked ‘cage’
• Join a local farm watch group or WhatsApp network to keep updated about local rural crime trends and suspicious sightings
• Mark tools, equipment and implements to deter thieves and aid recovery by police
• Use tracking devices, immobilisers and CESAR-marking on tractors and quadbikes to deter thieves
• Consider mechanical devices to anchor down quads
• ‘Know what you own’ – record all makes, models, serial numbers and photograph kit to help police investigate and aid an insurance claim.

Source: NFU Mutual’s Risk Management Services Ltd (RMS).

For more information on trends and advice on how to beat rural crime, NFU Mutual’s 2021 Rural Crime report is available at www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime

The post Security warning as clocks go back appeared first on Farmers Guide.

NFU Mutual has issued some top tips on improving security as shortages at the pumps could lead to a rise in diesel thefts.

Rural affairs specialist Rebecca Davidson said: “Diesel is essential to keep agriculture running and to keep the nation fed. We have found that price rises and fuel shortages in the past have seen thieves target farms.

“We are urging farmers to be vigilant and to strengthen security, in case a prolonged shortage sees fuel thieves return to the countryside.”

Last year, thieves continued to steal fuel in large quantities, despite the lockdowns and NFU Mutual claims data shows that the average cost of diesel theft in the countryside was £2,120. In 2019 the average was £2,327.

“Fuel theft not only grinds farm work to a halt but criminals often cause damage getting into tanks and spilling fuel,” she continued. “Often the consequence of attack is escape of fuel with the potential for serious pollution problems, which are difficult and extremely costly to clean up and which may present increased fire risks.”

NFU Mutual is investing over £430,000 in carefully targeted initiatives to tackle rural crime this year. This work includes sponsoring two trials of connected farms using LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology and sensors to detect threats and provide alerts and notifications when there is activity outside and fuel tank levels change.

NFU Mutual security tips:

To protect fuel, NFU Mutual is issuing the following advice:

Tank, contents and location 

• Record the number, location, tank storage capacity and the date/times when tanks are filled and regularly check levels

• Where possible locate the tank where it can be viewed from the farmhouse. Fuel tanks located away from buildings or dwellings are more vulnerable if they can’t be seen by occupants

• Ideally tanks should be within an enclosed compound with secured access

• Fit a fuel tank alarm to notify you of an attack on fuel tanks. Remote electronic fuel level gauges will set off an audible or monitored alarm if the fuel level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a defined level.

Site security 

• Keep field and farmyard gates closed and locked, and block exit points that aren’t used

• Activate intruder alarm systems, which may have a local sounder or remotely monitored signalling

• Install security lighting to illuminate any suspicious activity.

Vehicles and machinery 

• Use locking caps

• Keep tractors and powered machinery locked up and out of sight from public roads and footpaths when not in use to prevent thieves draining their fuel tanks

• Check your fuel gauge is not showing irregularities in fuel levels.

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