Farmer Michael Skinner last year woke to find his Defender Utility 110, parked 20m away from his house, had been silently stripped of its parts overnight.

Thieves had evaded security lights and alarms, remaining quiet enough to avoid waking Michael or any of his five dogs. They also stripped another Defender at a neighbouring farm, almost a mile down the road, in less than an hour.

“They knew exactly what they were looking for and struck with military precision. We have two locked gates to the property and they didn’t try these, they entered through a busy main road, neatly cutting through a wire netting fence and some barbed wire to bring their vehicle through to the yard.

“When they got to the Defender they seemed to know exactly where to stand to avoid triggering the alarms or lights and stripped it so quietly that even my dogs didn’t hear them. They took off with the bonnet, boot and doors and removed the windscreen.

“We found the bolts neatly laid out so they clearly knew what they were doing.”

Michael added: “It’s worrying to think they’d scouted out the farm before from the road or by drones, but I think they must have done to have such a clear idea of where my alarms were.

“It really is an impossible scenario. Initially you’re gutted and feel you must have been silly and left an easy target, but then you realise that this is an organised gang that have planned a raid and know exactly what they are doing.

“There was no sign of the parts but then I suspect the thieves have a market for the parts they steal.”

Thefts of Defenders remains high

Owners of Land Rover Defender are being urged to take action to safeguard their iconic vehicles against clued-up thieves.

NFU Mutual advises a combination of traditional and technological security measures as claims data shows that Defender theft cost £2.4 million in 2022.

Although this is a very slight drop from 2021, when Defender theft shot up to £2.6 million after a lockdown lull, the claims data reveals that organised thieves continue to target the countryside icons.

Indications from this year’s data suggest that the cost of Defender theft is set to increase again in 2023.

As well as stealing vehicles, NFU Mutual frequently receives reports that Land Rover Defenders are being stripped for their valuable parts.

Police and NFU Mutual experts working on recovery have traced vehicles as far afield as Africa and Eastern Europe, and found several ‘chop shops’ – fields full of half-dismantled Defenders who’s parts are being sold on the illicit market.

Protecting your vehicles

NFU Mutual is offering farmers practical advice to protect their vehicles and has also partnered with Scorpion Track to offer customers discounts of over 50% on sophisticated tracking and anti-theft devices for their vehicles.

DC Chris Piggott of the National Construction and Agri Thefts Team, which sits within the National Rural Crime Unit of the police, said:

“Part of the charm of classic Defender is also what makes them vulnerable to theft, as they are not fitted with modern security systems – and their charm also drives up their value, making them an attractive target for thieves.

“In fact, since production was stopped on the classic Defender model, their parts have quadrupled in value.

“It is therefore worth doing all you can to fortify your vehicle, using a combination of measures such as immobilisers and tracking devices as well as traditional methods like pedal and steering wheel locks.

“Sadly, it’s not uncommon to find vehicles which have been stripped for parts in situ, or very nearby, but again, slowing thieves down can effectively stop them and good site security can go a long way to protecting your Defender.”

The post Organised criminals stripped farmer’s Defender with “military precision” appeared first on Farmers Guide.

In November 2022 NFU members wrote to Environment Minister, Trudy Harrison MP, to ask for a national ban on sky lanterns. From this, Defra has commissioned further research into their harmful effects and negative agricultural impact to clarify the evidence before an official UK-wide ban can be put into law.

While this is ongoing, the NFU’s petition is still open for further signatures to strengthen the national campaign, and the public are being urged to make their opinions known to Defra in order to protect the British countryside and rural dwellers from these floating candles.

In a recent Facebook post the NFU stated : ‘If you are celebrating Bonfire Night, please keep your farming and animal neighbours in mind and don’t use a sky lantern.

“Warwickshire farmer Charlie shared these images with us from Bonfire Night last year, where he found a sky lantern about 100 yards from his straw barn, which is located next to his cattle sheds.

“They are flying fire bombs and the consequences if one was to land in the wrong place could be devastating.”

Here is the full list of UK councils that have banned the use of sky lanterns on council owned land so far:

Sign the petition HERE.

The post Has your local council banned sky lanterns? appeared first on Farmers Guide.

A total of 60% of all vehicle theft claims recorded at H&H Insurance Brokers (HHIB) within the past 12 months have been in relation to quad bikes, and the company is welcoming news that new legislation specifically aimed at preventing these thefts is coming into effect.

The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 recently gained Royal Assent from the House of Commons which will force ATV manufacturers to fit a minimum standard of immobilisers and forensic marking to all new vehicles to make them harder to steal.

The Act also requires the owners’ details of the quad bikes to be logged centrally on a database so the vehicles can be tracked more easily if they are stolen.

It is set to be rolled out early next year and its timing could not have been better according to Stuart Torrance, the claims manager at HHIB, as more than 50% of claims at the company have been motor-related.

He said: “As it stands, ATVs are too easy to steal because of a lack of security features, and thefts of quad bikes are becoming even more common as it becomes more lucrative to sell them on with prices increasing.

“These crimes have a huge impact on people working in the agricultural sector who largely rely on their vehicles to complete daily tasks around the farm, especially when they have to cover large areas.

“The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 is incredibly timely as it will undoubtedly deter the theft of ATVs as they will be less desirable to criminals as they will no longer be so easy to take and harder to sell on due to the advanced tracking of the vehicles.

“There will be an extremely positive domino effect on the insurance sector because there will be a reduction in the number of theft claims of quad bikes and farmers will be happier that their property is less under threat of being stolen.”

While the act will ensure significantly improved security measures, Stuart is warning farmers against complacency and would still recommend them to be vigilant around the farm.

He said: “While there is no doubt that the number of ATV thefts will significantly reduce, there will be instances where criminals will be able to find a way around the new security measures.

“It’s still important that vehicles are stored in a lockable garage or building with the keys removed, and security lighting, CCTV and PIR Alarms are fitted to make it even more difficult and riskier for thieves.

“Having the right insurance policy to ensure you aren’t further impacted by any theft is a must, and your broker will make sure you have the adequate level of business interruption cover and vehicle hire arrangements in place.

“The main message is not to take it for granted that your property will be safe from thieves because security measures have improved as criminals become more sophisticated by the day.”

The Equipment Theft (Protection) Act 2023 is expected to come into force in February 2024.

The post “Timely” introduction of legislation to tackle quad bike thefts appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Shopkeepers are facing unprecedented levels of crime, with 83% experiencing crime in the past six months, according to new research by NFU Mutual.

More than two thirds of respondents said retail crime increased in 2023 and over a quarter (27%) said the most pressing concern is the impact on their own and their staff’s mental health.

One in five (19%) also said they live in fear of organised gangs targeting their shops, as seen recently in attacks on farm shops across the UK.

NFU Mutual found that this year alone, 82% of retailers have had to take security measures to protect their businesses from crime, including bodycams (17%) and panic alarms (21%).

The rural insurer has teamed up with the Farm Retail Association to offer advice to farm shop owners.

David Harrison, farming specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Our study shows that retailers of all sizes are unfortunately struggling as incidents of theft rocket in our shops, and we would urge farm shop owners to stay vigilant to protect their stock, staff and premises.

“We have seen huge efforts taken from retailers on this which is a good step forward as it is crucial they feel protected and supported should the worst happen. […]

“Farm shops have sadly been targeted in the past due to their remote locations, so it is important for owners to take all the necessary preventative steps and keep the cash held on site to a minimum, while NFU Mutual has also put together a security checklist in response to our most recent study.”

Emma Mosey, Farm Retail Association chair, added: “The issue of crime and security is a pressing concern for owners of farm shops. Often, as owner operators, our members live on the business site, so the threat of break-ins is exacerbated by concerns about their own personal safety and proximity to their businesses.

“Break-ins and robberies have a lasting impact on the mental health of owners and their teams, as well as the short-term impact of loss of stock or theft.  At our recent council meeting, the issue of security was raised among members as a key concern, particularly after the spate of robberies in 2022.”

Top tips for farm shop security:

• Make sure passive infrared (PIR) sensors – a device used to detect motion – are not concealed by shelving, reducing their full operating angle
• Ensure that the detectors have not been tampered with if they are in an area of public access
• Consider installing internal door sensors (not just external perimeter doors and windows) and ensure that movement detectors are duplicated where possible if all entry points cannot be protected
• Reduce your cash on site by banking more frequently – also consider any on-site vending machines and removing the cash cassettes each night
• Check the amount insured in your safe and make sure your insurers recognise your safe
• Change your alarm code regularly and deactivate any older or lost fobs
• If possible, limit the number of high value items on display and secure remaining stock within a robust, lockable store
• Use customer service as a tool to deter thieves – greeting them lets them know they have been acknowledged and will deter them as they have been identified
• Make sure store layouts are organised and tidy, placing high-value or items which are more desirable for thieves in monitorable areas
• Regular stocktaking helps identify which items are being targeted.

The post Farm shops urged to be vigilant amid crime surge appeared first on Farmers Guide.

NFU Mutual warns that farm theft costs have been highest in the autumn and early winter months of 2021 and 2022.

Following a shock 22.1% rise in the UK cost of rural crime in 2022 to an estimated £49.5m, NFU Mutual is concerned that the combination of dark winter nights with fewer people out and about could lead to a further increase in thefts this autumn. NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, Hannah Binns, said: “Farmers are being hit by a wave of thefts carried out by determined gangs who will stop at nothing to get what they want.”

“Smaller, high value equipment such as GPS and quad bikes are being stolen in high numbers, and we are also concerned by a recent surge in tractor and telehandler theft.”

“We’re very concerned that the pattern of higher winter thefts will be repeated this year when the clocks go back and dark nights provide cover for criminals to steal from farms unseen.”

“That’s why we are urging farmers to take all possible steps to keep expensive equipment locked away and make sure their farmyard security is as tight as possible.”

“We’re suggesting farmers look at their farmyards from the perspective of a thief to check if there are security gaps. Ask yourself are the entrance and exit points secure, and are there expensive items on display? Could you use multiple layers of security to protect valuable items?”

“Thieves don’t like to be seen or heard so measures such as alarms, security lighting and systems which send notifications and CCTV images to mobile phones can alert farmers to an intruder’s presence.”

“Farm thefts cause disruption and widespread concern to people who work and live in the countryside which is why we are proud to provide support and funding for the National Rural Crime Unit, which is strengthening work across the UK ensuring dedicated police resources are targeted where they are needed most.”

Thieves use a range of tactics including online mapping websites to find where valuable farm equipment is kept and work out routes to break in without being disturbed.

NFU Mutual shares its top tips for securing farm businesses:

• Close and lock yard gates
• Park farm machinery and farm vehicles out of sight, preferably in a locked building
• Remove GPS units where possible and lock them in a secure place overnight
• Keep records of the makes, models and serial numbers of farm kit
• Ensure security lighting, intruder alarms and cameras are covering all entrance points and are working correctly
• CESAR-mark, etch or mark farm name and postcode onto kit
• Add tracking devices and immobilisers onto vehicles. Farmers can also use mechanical immobilisers such as steering wheel locks or pedal locks on vehicles
• Keep fuel tanks in secure compounds and consider using locks and sensors
• Remove keys from vehicles when not in use and store them in a safe, secure place
• Join a local farm watch group or WhatsApp network to keep updated about local rural crime trends and suspicious sightings
• Report all crimes and suspicious activity to the police

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

The post Take steps now to help prevent rural theft during darker nights appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Taking place between 18^th and 24^th September, the campaign aims to highlights the challenges rural businesses are facing and the work undertaken by police forces and crime commissioners to tackle rural crime.

Following the passing of the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act, aimed at deterring the theft of quads and ATVs, the NFU is now calling for the act to be expanded to include other agricultural equipment such as GPS systems.

Farm machinery theft is just one of many challenges farmers face nationwide, costing the UK a staggering £49 million in 2022 alone, according to NFU Mutual. An alarming surge in the theft of tractor GPS units cost the UK over £500,000 in the first four months of 2023, more than double compared to the same period in 2022.

Other challenges farmers continue to contend with include hare coursing and livestock worrying.

The NFU, alongside other organisations, successfully campaigned for legislative changes regarding hare coursing, which were included in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. The NFU is now pushing for the government to follow through its commitment to introduce legislation, originally included in the Kept Animals Bill, to tackle livestock worrying.

NFU vice president David Exwood said: “Highly organised gangs of criminals have continued to plague the British countryside in recent years, stealing livestock, valuable farm machinery and expensive GPS equipment.

“We welcome the action government have taken to tackle hare coursing and ATV theft but urge the government to pass secondary legislation to widen the scope of the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act to include other equipment, such as larger machinery or GPS systems, and to fulfil its commitments on livestock worrying.

Mr Exwood added the NFU views the creation of the National Rural Crime Unit as a positive step towards making the countryside a safer place and will continue to work closely with stakeholders and police forces to reduce rural crime rates.

Bob Henderson, NFU Mutual lead on Rural Crime, commented: “It is clear specialised policing is highly effective in tackling rural crime and we are proud to provide support and funding for the National Rural Crime Unit, which will strengthen work across the UK ensuring dedicated police resources are targeted where they are needed most.

“We welcome the work by the NFU to bring in changes in legislation to protect farmers and the wider rural community.”

Suffolk police launches new rural crime strategy

As part of National Rural Crime Week, Suffolk Constabulary is launching a revised Rural and Wildlife strategy to include a heavy focus on the community, public engagements, and offering crime prevention advice.

The police force has also pledged to continue its commitment to tackling a variety of rural crime, including equine crime, livestock offences, heritage crime which involves the harming of buildings, monuments and parks, and the theft of farming machinery, vehicles, and fuel.

As part of the campaign, representatives from Suffolk police will also be visiting four farms today (Wed 20 Sept) in Stowupland, Bacton, Great Ashfield and Sudbury to offer local farmers crime reduction advice and listen to any concerns they have.

Meanwhile, work over recent months has seen the team attend a pre-harvest farm safety event, where prevention advice was delivered to 120 farmers; provide advice to landowners that are vulnerable to illegal metal detecting; and also liaise closely with anti-hunting organisations and hunts, with a view to seek compliance with the hunting act.

County Policing commander Alice Scott said: “Policing a rural area such as Suffolk offers unique challenges and requires us to work with all areas of the rural community to prevent and detect rural crime. This includes residents, businesses, farmers and those involved in the county’s thriving tourist industry.

“There is still more that can be done and in this strategy, we have identified the key challenges faced by rural communities and as a result, the demand on policing.”

Police and Crime commissioner Tim Passmore added: “This week is National Rural Crime week and Suffolk is playing its full part in this important initiative.

“The Home Office needs to recognise people in rural areas pay their dues like anyone else and therefore expect to receive their fair share of policing resources.”

The commissioner assured keeping people in rural areas safe is a key component of the Suffolk Police and Crime Plan and there will be continued investment in rural policing capacity and resources.

PC Sophie Buckle has recently joined the Suffolk Rural and Wildlife Crime Team.

The post National Rural Crime Action Week calls for greater security appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Who is responsible for these tractor thefts?

Police suspect the gang is identifying farms owning recently-bought expensive tractors and loaders and are using the motorway network to move them out of the country to sell in Eastern Europe and beyond.

Bob Henderson, head of engineering at NFU Mutual, said: “This is one of the worst spates of high-value agricultural vehicle theft we have dealt with in a specific area.

“We’re providing security advice to farmers in the two counties to help them secure their properties. We’re also working closely with the rural policing unit supported by NFU Mutual to help detect the gang responsible.

“These tractor thefts show we need to up our game to keep thieves at bay.”

Superintendent Andy Huddleston, who leads the newly-formed National Rural Crime Unit, said: “It’s clear that these thefts are the work of a highly-organised criminal group.

“Unusually the machinery being stolen are newer pieces of kit – some costing around £100,000 to replace. A number of stolen tractors and loaders have been recovered after being left in secluded areas. This indicates that the criminals are leaving stolen machinery for a few days to avoid the risk of detection if a tracking device is fitted to the machines.

“The thieves are very likely to be moving stolen vehicles out of the UK and selling them on in Eastern Europe. The thefts are being investigated by West Mercia Police, assisted by the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team and OPAL, a national police intelligence unit which focuses on serious organised acquisitive crime.

“These specialist teams have been established to co-ordinate action across all UK police forces and pursue investigations abroad.

“With the exception of some brands many modern tractors and loaders are difficult to steal when keys are removed and locked away and the vehicles’ security devices are activated. Additional basic security measures such as locking yard gates, having security lights, using motion detector alarms and CCTV we know does deter thieves and is worth doing.”

What is being done to prevent future thefts?

Bob Henderson added: “As the main insurer of UK farmers, we know that theft of vital tractors and loaders is incredibly disruptive and causes worry and additional pressures for farmers and their families.

“We’re responding to the new threat by helping farmers put effective security measures in place and continuing to provide major support, to enable dedicated police resources tackle agricultural vehicle crime.”

Last year NFU Mutual invested over £400,000 in rural crime prevention initiatives. This includes support for a UK-wide agricultural vehicle theft unit and many regional and local schemes across the UK.

NFU Mutual’s latest statistics show that the cost of agricultural vehicle claims soared 29% to £11.7m in 2022 as organised criminal gangs cashed in on the rising cost and limited supply of vehicles and machinery.

Security checklist to protect your tractors and large agricultural vehicles:

• Close and lock yard gates at night to deter drive-through thieves
• Keep vehicle keys locked up securely at a separate location
• Check security lighting, alarms and cameras are working correctly and update if necessary
• Avoid leaving vehicles where they can be easily seen from near-by roads
• Consider infra-red beam alarms, CCTV and floodlighting to protect farm yards
• Join a local farm watch group or WhatsApp network to keep updated about local rural crime trends and suspicious sightings
• Fit trackers and immobilisers to deter thieves and aid recovery of stolen pick-ups
• Use the CESAR marking and registration system

Watch NFU Mutual’s tractor security video below for detailed advice on keeping your machinery safe.

The post Spate of tractor thefts hits Midlands appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Stock photo for illustration only.

Suffolk Police is appealing for information on the theft of 50 gilts which were taken from a paddock at a farm in Little Livermere, near Bury St Edmunds.

The thieves are said to have struck between 3pm on 4^th August and 10am on 8^th August.

Anyone who has any information should contact Suffolk Police via the website reporting form or 101, quoting crime reference 37/46145/23.

The post 50 gilt pigs stolen from a paddock in Suffolk appeared first on Farmers Guide.

According to the report published today (1^st August), the primary driving force behind the rising trends is global events such as the Ukraine conflict opening up illicit markets and creating more demand for stolen machinery.

As a result, farmers and rural communities have been increasingly targeted by criminal gangs, compounding financial worries caused by the cost-of-living crisis. The knowledge of being exposed and watched is also having a negative impact on well-being and mental health in rural areas, many of which are already suffering from isolation and loneliness.

Following a decline throughout 2020 and 2021, figures show that rural crime is now hitting pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, quad and ATV theft reported to NFU Mutual cost £3m nationally, a 34% rise on the previous year.

Meanwhile, GPS theft increased by 15% to £1.8m last year, with the problem escalating further in the first four months of 2023, doubling costs to over £500,000 compared to the same period last year.

Livestock theft remains one of the costliest crimes to farming, with an estimated £2.7m damage incurring farmers in 2022, a rise of 8.7% on the previous year. The cost of dog attacks on livestock has also increased by more than 50% between 2019 and 2022 as the so-called ‘pandemic puppies’ came of age.

Of all crimes involving theft, trailer thefts have seen the biggest increase last year, with figures up 66% at £2.9m.

NFU Mutual Chairman Jim McLaren wrote in the report: ‘Rural thieves are no longer opportunists from the nearest town. Today, crime is controlled by organised and often international gangs, and world events and new illicit markets have an impact on the demand for stolen kit.

‘As well as criminals trespassing on farms to scope out properties, NFU Mutual has also received reports of thieves using drones and other technology to identify targets.

‘The costly issue of rural crime impacts lives and livelihoods as it puts additional pressure on farming families who may feel vulnerable knowing that homes and workplaces are being watched.’

In a survey of 175 NFU Mutual Agents, 80% of respondents said rural crime is disrupting farming activities, while 70% knew of farmers who had been repeat victims of rural crime. Moreover, 86% agreed thieves are cashing in on the limited supply of vehicles and rising prices.

With the UK facing increasingly sophisticated and determined criminals, NFU Mutual is providing financial support and expertise to help establish a new rural crime police unit, which will co-ordinate efforts against rural crime nationally and help shape best practice to provide a platform to fight back.

The organisation is also working alongside police, rural communities and its network of local agents to tackle the issue, and has invested over £400,000 in rural crime initiatives.

Greater collaboration needed to curb rural crime

Responding to the report, NFU Vice President David Exwood said:

“As the NFU Mutual’s report highlights, over the past 18 months highly organised gangs of criminals have continued to plague the British countryside, stealing livestock, high-value farm machinery and expensive GPS equipment, as well as trespassing on private land and regularly fly-tipping tons of rubbish.

“The huge increase we’ve seen in criminal activity is significantly impacting farm businesses and farming families both financially and emotionally, with many rural communities left feeling vulnerable and intimidated. All at a time when the industry is facing numerous other pressures, not least soaring production costs.”

Mr Exwood said it was reassuring to see the Equipment Theft Prevention Bill granted Royal Assent in recent weeks, as a result of collaboration between the NFU, NFU Mutual, government and other industry organisations.

“This new legislation gives the Home Secretary wider powers to make regulations that will deter the theft and resale of quad bikes and ATVs. Fitting immobilisers and adding forensic markings will also ensure that owner details are registered to help make these essential farm vehicles less attractive for criminals to steal.

“There also needs to be much more of a collaborative approach to tackle rural crime,” Mr Exwood added. “The National Rural Crime Unit is a great example of farmers, policymakers and police forces working together effectively at national and local level to examine ways of how UK farming businesses can be protected from criminal gangs.”

The post Report highlights steep rise in the cost of rural crime appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Latest figures from NFU Mutual reveal the UK cost of GPS theft has more than doubled to over £500,000 in the first four months of 2023, compared to the same period last year.

Now the crimewave is hitting Northern Ireland with four incidents of GPS theft reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in recent weeks.

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.

The rural insurer is now concerned that criminal gangs responsible for the farm-tech crime wave could be planning to take advantage of the busy summer season to attack even more farms, causing widespread delays and disruption as supply chain shortages continue.

Martin Malone, NFU Mutual Northern Ireland manager, said the rise in GPS thefts across the region is “extremely concerning” and urged farmers to take the necessary precautions to protect their equipment by removing it from machines and locking it up securely when not in use.

“Forensically marking, painting or scratching your farm name or postcode onto GPS systems can also make them less attractive to thieves and harder to sell-on,” he added.

“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.”

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

A video with advice to prevent GPS theft is also available on Rural Crime – GPS 2022 – YouTube.

The post Call for vigilance as GPS crimewave hits Northern Ireland appeared first on Farmers Guide.