Wiltshire Police warn farmers to guard tractor GPS systems after spate of thefts
Three farms in north Wiltshire have been targeted
Wiltshire Police have issued a warning after a number of farms in Wiltshire have had their GPS units stolen.
The force are urging farmers to remove the kit from their tractors once they're finished as they believe a gang of thieves are removing both the receivers and screens from the vehicles.
The thefts were carried out on three farms in North Wiltshire with more taking place just over the border in Gloucestershire.
Police say they are investigating a number of the incidents that happened on the evening of Tuesday 17th of August.
Wiltshire Police advice to prevent thefts of GPS devices includes:
- Remove GPS guidance receivers, aerials and antenna globes from tractors when not in use and keep them in a secure locked place whenever possible.
- Consider fitting security tethers or brackets to stop units being removed.
- Mark your postcode on GPS units – either with a UV pen, engraving tool or a forensic marking system.
- Store machinery in locked buildings where possible
- Where locking machines isn’t an option, consider fitting mains or battery-operated alarms to cover around the perimeter of areas where machines are stored.
- CCTV and intruder alarms will deter most thieves, but make sure they are checked regularly to ensure they work when you need them and they are placed where they won’t be triggered with animals.
- Record machinery serial numbers and photograph kit to help police identify stolen items and increase the chances of them being recovered.
- Make sure your equipment has the latest updates including a PIN login.
REMOVE THE GPS SYSTEM FROM YOUR TRACTOR AT NIGHT
Detective Sergeant Darren Penny said:
“We’re currently investigating a number of GPS thefts throughout the Wiltshire where both receivers and screens have been removed from tractors.
"We know that a gang of thieves is targeting farms because they think security will be lax at the busiest time of the year.
“These thefts are regularly costing farmers thousands alongside the inconvenience to get these systems replaced.
“Whilst in the full swing of harvest (between the breaks in the weather), this would be an ideal opportunity to remind farmers the importance to lock away their GPS systems overnight.
“We appreciate that you are finishing late in the evening and starting early to progress harvest, but I would urge you to take just a few moments to remove these kits and lock them away overnight.”
Can you help?
If anyone has information regarding these thefts which could help our investigation, they can contact us here or call us on 101.
They can also report anonymously to our rural Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.