East Yorkshire rural criminals 'more sophisticated' than ever
Humberside Police says there's been an increase in GPS thefts on farms.
There are fears rural criminals across East Yorkshire are stealing GPS systems on local farms.
It is as insurance claims for this type of equipment nearly doubled last year across the country to 2.9 million pounds.
Rural Task Force officer Josh Fawcett said:
“At this time of year our farmers and rural communities are so busy bringing in the harvest and tending their crops that they can often forget to make sure their properties and equipment are properly secure.
“Their machinery is a massive investment and so we want to remind people to keep it safe and out of the way of opportunist or targeting thieves.
“One of the key items targetted by thieves across the country are Tractor GPS and Navigation equipment.
Watch this video to hear from PC Fawcett and PC Jones about how to best secure your GPS equipment:
“Here are some tips to prevent GPS items being stolen.
MARK IT, REMOVE IT, LOCK IT
Tractor GPS Screens
- Remove screens when not in use – ensure they are left in a safe and secure location.
- Mark screens using Forensic Marking and use the provided stickers to advertise forensic marking is in use
- Record serial numbers
Tractor GPS Receivers
- If not in use, disconnect, remove and secure in a safe location
- Remove from roof if not in use and tractor is being used on road – this will prevent advertising the fact you have a receiver.
- Ensure the software is up to date, and marked with security warning stickers
- Consider securing the tractor in a locked alarmed shed
Record serial numbers
Humberside Police said:
“Please also make sure your device is properly insured as it may need to be a separate item on your insurance, especially once removed from machinery.
“We would also advise people to consider installing CCTV, intruder alarms, security lighting and boundary security (entrance gates/fencing) around your property to provide formal surveillance and target harden the most vulnerable areas.
“We cannot physically be everywhere at the same time and our communities are our eyes and ears in the countryside. They know when something they see isn’t right. We want them to call us about any suspicious activity they see. Please report this to police immediately on 999 if there is a crime in progress or 101 for non-emergency incidents.
“For more information about how to protect your farm, properties and equipment please head over to our website where you will find lots of useful information https://www.humberside.police.uk/wildlife-and-rural-crime.
"We also have a rural crime prevention booklet which can be obtained through the website as a PDF or as a booklet via our Rural Task Force SPOCRuralandWildlifeCrime@humberside.pnn.police.uk"