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.

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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.”

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Rural crime has become an increased concern

Having spent 22 years working in corporate security following 24 years in the military, Mick Hawkes returned to rural Herefordshire, where he realised how significant the problem of rural crime has become.

“The Government and the police seem to do very little to help, and rural crime is a financial, physical and mental burden on farmers,” Mick says. “I came back to the UK to help people defeat criminals, teaching personal safety and situational awareness with my daughter Keeley. But when I realised the challenges that farmers and rural communities are facing, I decided to see if I could help them with a more practical approach.”

Understand farms’ security weaknesses

Mr Hawkes spent 14 years in the SAS, and as part of his work in Northern Ireland he worked for four years breaking into farm complexes covertly to combat the IRA. He then returned to Hereford, where he taught military students in the art of Close Target Recces, again, working around farms covertly. “I therefore have a strong understanding of farms’ weak points, and know that farmers and farm workers are the first line of defence against criminals.”

Rural theft across the UK cost an estimated £40.5m in 2021, according to NFU Mutual’s annual report, with thieves targeting fuel, livestock and machinery. And, the cost increased by over 40% in the first quarter of 2022, with rural crime a worry to 50% of the rural community.

Trespassing and break-ins on farms

But it’s not just farm theft that is a concern for rural residents – the rise in animal rights extremists breaking into farms is a very real threat, and training in farm security and situational awareness will help to combat this.

“It’s about knowing what to look out for, general vigilance, and ensuring your own personal safety,” says Mr Hawkes.

A cost-effective approach to farm security

He also knows that farmers are on tight budgets, so he is offering a cost-effective approach to farm security, rather than selling expensive security systems.

“We can carry out security assessments of vulnerable farms that have been targeted for crime, then recommend cost effective solutions using what they already have, to ensure we keep recommendations realistic.”

Mr Hawkes and his daughter also offer personal safety training for farmers, their workers and families.

“Keeley trains young people and adults in security and situational awareness, helping them to manage confrontation and keep safe on the streets,” says Mr Hawkes. “If we can maintain zero security incidents working in the world’s crime hotspots, then we can do the same in here in the UK countryside.”

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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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