Alert over thefts of farm vehicles and quad bikes

THIEVES ARE targeting farm allterrain vehicles (ATV) and quad bikes commonly used during lambing time, according to new figures.

While the number of quad bikes stolen fell in 2020, NFU Mutual said the data did show thieves were targeting more expensive, higher specified models.

ATVs which usually seat two people with a load space in the back now represent 14 per cent of all quad and ATV thefts, compared to 11 per cent in 2019.

Bob Henderson, Technical Engineering Manager at the rural insurers, said: “Rural thieves target quads and other farm all-terrain vehicles because they’re expensive kit with a ready resale market in this country and abroad.

“However, their light weight makes them easier to steal than heavier equipment such as tractors.

“Quad bikes are a vital tool on modern livestock farms.

“During harsh, cold months and at lambing times farmers face a massive struggle to keep their sheep fed and safe if thieves strike and leave them without a quad at the busiest time of year.”

Mr Henderson said the firm was working with manufacturers to fit free tracking devices and immobilisers as thieves often return to farms where they have stolen a quad in the hope of being able to steal its new replacement.

Det Con Chris Piggott, Agricultural Vehicle Lead for the National

Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, said: “After removal of keys, trackers and immobilisers are the most effective measures against quad theft.

“Unfortunately we find that once criminals know the layout of a farm they may return to steal the replacement vehicle or other goods they have scoped out previously.”