Agricultural, Plant & Machinery Theft-Crime Prevention Advice

The theft of agricultural machinery and plant equipment is a considerable problem and is sometimes the result of organised crime. 

Prevention is one of our greatest tools to fight theft. We can reduce the risk of theft by thinking about how we look after equipment. Please find some information below to consider for reducing your risk and should the worst happen give you the best opportunity to reunite you with your property. 

General Advice

Keep a record of serial numbers and model details, take photos of equipment especially if it has any unusual marks or features. Keep this property list safe. 

Register your equipment with the free national property register – Immobilise (www.immobilise.com/) and The Equipment Register (TER) (www.ter-europe.org/)

Use metal engravers to mark tools, vehicles, and equipment. You can use any kind of mark on your property to make it unique. A common method is to mark with your postcode followed by the first two letters of your farm or business. 

Property marking now includes Forensic Marking – For Secured by Design approved property and asset marking/registration products, go to the accredited product search on the Secured by Design website (Secured by Design - Crime Prevention & Security Advice)

Always keep tools and small machinery out of sight and locked away. If possible, in a lockable building.

Remove keys and keep them safe.

Take part in the ‘CESAR’ Scheme (www.cesarscheme.org/)  

Fit trackers and immobilisers to tractors, ATVs, and quads

Join local social media groups to self-circulate any suspicious sightings of vehicles and people in your area.

If your property is stolen and is identifiable. you may be able to search social media and online sales to see if the property has been offered for sale. If you see your property for sale, take a screenshot of the advertisement (including seller details) and let the police know quoting your crime reference number.

Trailers

Visual deterrents can be a good way to make thieves move on. 

Use lock and clamps. There are a variety of locks on the market which may be suitable for your type of trailer Tongue lock, Hitch lock, Chock lock, Wheel locks and Wheel Clamps

Keep trailers parked out of sight where possible.

Trailers may be suitable for GPS tracking devices.

Install a vibration alarm.

Remove the ball mount from the receiver hitch when the trailers uncoupled.

Chaining them to a hitch or frame secured to the ground or the strong fabric of the building. 

Thank you.

PC 17015 ORCHARD (Rural Affairs Team)