Warnings to farmers over GPS thefts on the increase in Yorkshire region

And in recent weeks, thefts of expensive GPS equipment have been reported in the North East of England region, which includes Yorkshire, and the South West sparking concern other parts of the UK could be next.

Crime experts say that thieves are travelling far and wide to steal the equipment, which is being sold on and exported out of the country, and smashing glass and cutting through wires in the process and that thefts are happening as work on farms thanks to better weather and longer hours of daylights ramps up.

Bob Henderson, who leads NFU Mutual’s Agricultural Engineering Field Team, said: “It is extremely concerning that thieves are taking advantage of increased spring activity to identify targets.

“As well as stealing vital equipment, criminals are leaving a trail of damage as they smash glass to gain access and crudely cut wires. Not only is this costly, but the theft of GPS kits can hinder farming operations as well as place additional pressures on the business.

“We’re urging all farmers to be on their guard and review and update their security, such as removing GPS equipment when not in use and storing it away from the machines. It is also worth taking pictures of the kit and recording any serial numbers.”

The National Rural Crime Unit said “there is nowhere they will not go” as it emerged agricultural machinery dealerships are being targeted as well as isolated and independent farms and thieves are returning to places they have stolen from before.

DC Chris Piggott, from the National Construction and Agri Thefts Team (NCATT), part of the National Rural Crime Unit, added: “There is nowhere that they will not go, and these criminals have been targeting agricultural machinery dealerships as well as farms. It is incredibly important people remove GPS equipment from their machines and store it elsewhere.

“It may seem impractical, but GPS kits are hard to replace and if stolen, will severely impact a farm’s ability to carry out vital fieldwork.

“I’d also encourage anyone to overtly mark them so that they are undesirable for resale purposes. I’ve seen GPS kits which were nicked in the night but dumped when the marking was discovered. Make the marks identify the GPS kit as yours, such as putting a postcode or farm name.

“Also, if you have been a victim of this type of crime before, then I’d urge you to be extra vigilant as thieves are willing to target locations they already know and feel comfortable operating in.”

Other suggested security tips include activating PIN security on GPS kit or if not possible, marking your postcode to deter thieves and trace your property back to you; keep GPS stored out of sight and remove when not in use; record serial numbers and photograph kit; Check serial numbers of second-hand kit offered for sale.