Warning over rising value of tractor theft

Latest figures reveal that the number of tractor thefts fell in the area covering Yorkshire and the North East of England between December and January but the value of tractors stolen actually spiked by more than 16 per cent, compared to the same period the previous year.

The statistics, sourced by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, show that across the UK the value of tractor claims increased by 35 per cent in the two months to the end of January compared with the corresponding period last year. In the same period, there was also a greater number of quad bikes stolen.

Tractor thefts were falling steadily since a peak in 2010 and since then there has been efforts to bolster tractor security and policing. Despite this, the Yorkshire Post reported last July how one in three farmers in Yorkshire had been a victim of a crime in 2011, while the NFU claimed that nearly half of farmers did not think enough resources were being allocated to tackle the problem.

Tim Rice, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Tractor theft has become a highly organised global crime costing farmers millions of pounds a year. It took off three years ago after tougher security and international policing made it harder for criminal gangs to steal super cars and sell them on in Eastern Europe, Russia and the Middle East.

“Thieves worked out that modern tractors cost £50,0000 upwards, were in huge demand across the globe, and best of all, the driver sits in the middle so there’s no left or right-hand drive issue. And, because tractor theft was comparatively rare, tractors had pretty basic security.”

Since 2010, tractor manufacturers have begun introducing unique keys to most models and the electronic identification marking system CESAR has become widespread.

Clive Harris, who leads NFU Mutual’s vehicle security initiative, said: “The sudden increases in farm vehicle theft is very worrying – particularly as it comes after tractor theft fell by over 32 per cent in the first 11 months of 2012.

“High value tractors, and particularly those with front end loaders, are the most commonly stolen tractors at present. Thieves are also increasingly targeting telescopic loaders, quads and utility vehicles.

“Our experience helping country people who have been victims of rural crime clearly shows that theft has an emotional and financial impact on their lives and fortunes.”

John Scott, who farms near Whitby, had gates and sheep equipment worth £1,500 stolen.

He said: “Nearly every farmer over this side has had equipment taken, including quad bikes. I was out, it was the middle of the day and when I got back I found they had taken anything of value – things I use everyday. I more or less had to replace it all.”

NFU Mutual said agricrime fighters had achieved some success in the last year, with 21 stolen tractors recovered from overseas.