Farmers warned of fresh spate of GPS thefts

Many farms which have been victims of GPS theft during the past two years have been targeted again in recent weeks by organised crime gangs, police sources have revealed.

The National Rural Crime Unit has issued a security alert after a spike in GPS thefts, particularly in Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, Essex, Newport, and the Thames Valley.

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Supt Andrew Huddleston said: “While there have been several recent successful arrests of those responsible, the new spate of GPS thefts shows how determined the organised criminal groups are, so we’re urging all farmers to be vigilant and take security steps.

“All police forces that have seen GPS units stolen are part of a national group that are working together to tackle this threat and help protect the UK’s farming industry.”

Mr Huddleston encouraged all farmers to report suspicious activity, particularly vehicles, and share information with rural watch groups and the police.

GPS theft in the UK increased by 15% overall in 2022, totalling £1.8m, according to NFU Mutual figures.

Hannah Binns, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “This new wave of GPS theft is incredibly alarming, especially as farmers start gearing up for the busy harvest period.

“It is also worrying to hear that thieves are targeting farms which have previously had GPS stolen, especially when considering the financial and emotional impact these crimes have already had on those farmers.

“Together with the National Rural Crime Unit, we’re urging farmers to take all possible steps to protect their GPS equipment, such as removing them from tractors, combines and other machines where safe to do so, and locking them somewhere securely when not in use.

“If it’s not practical to remove units from machines, try to park vehicles where they cannot be easily seen.

“Also consider forensically marking, painting or scratching your farm name or postcode onto the GPS to make them less attractive to thieves and harder to sell on.”