Security alert on farm GPS systems

POLICE OFFICERS are warning farmers to step up security to try and stop technologically- savvy criminal gangs who are targeting expensive tractor GPS systems.

Officials at the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service ( NaVCIS) and rural insurer NFU Mutual are urging farmers to make sure any pin- enabled security on their GPS kit is being used or to “go back to basics” with indelible security markings.

Det Con Chris Piggott, who is a memberoftheNaVCIS, said:“Our message to help protect property is simple – pin it or pen it.

“So, if you have pin- enabled technology to protect your GPS system, make sure it’s up and running and if not, daub your postcode onto kit using indelible ink.

“It might not look pretty, but it’s a big deterrent to thieves who are stealing systems to sell on across the world.

“Anything that is identifiable and will trace the kit back to its owner will immediately put the thieves off.”

Mr Piggott also urged people in rural communities to report any suspicious activity to police. He said information was vital to build up intelligence and allow officers to share information with other forces.

Rebecca Davidson, from NFU Mutual, said the insurer had reports of GPS systems being stolen from across the UK.

She added: “We are receiving even more reports of all makes and models of GPS systems being stolen. GPS technology plays such a vital role in modern- day farming, and thefts of systems have been debilitating for farmers who have been hit during the busy harvest period.”