Call for vigilance as GPS crimewave hits Northern Ireland
14th July 2023
Farmers in Northern Ireland are being urged to increase security in their farmyards and fields as harvest approaches due to a recent upsurge in global positioning systems (GPS) thefts reported by authorities.
Latest figures from NFU Mutual reveal the UK cost of GPS theft has more than doubled to over £500,000 in the first four months of 2023, compared to the same period last year.
Now the crimewave is hitting Northern Ireland with four incidents of GPS theft reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in recent weeks.
Used to provide precision positioning for cultivation and harvesting operations on farms across the world, GPS systems have become one of the most targeted pieces of farm equipment because of their high cost and portability.
The rural insurer is now concerned that criminal gangs responsible for the farm-tech crime wave could be planning to take advantage of the busy summer season to attack even more farms, causing widespread delays and disruption as supply chain shortages continue.
Martin Malone, NFU Mutual Northern Ireland manager, said the rise in GPS thefts across the region is “extremely concerning” and urged farmers to take the necessary precautions to protect their equipment by removing it from machines and locking it up securely when not in use.
“Forensically marking, painting or scratching your farm name or postcode onto GPS systems can also make them less attractive to thieves and harder to sell-on,” he added.
“Disrupting worldwide criminal distribution lines for gangs to sell-on stolen GPS equipment is the key to controlling this crime wave, so we’re working closely with police, machinery manufacturers and farmers to make it more difficult for these gangs to operate.”
NFU Mutual GPS Security Guide
- Activate PIN security on GPS kit with your own unique number if available
- Mark your postcode on the unit’s case to deter thieves and trace your property back to you
- Keep tractors and combines with GPS fitted stored out of sight when possible
- Remove GPS kit when possible, from tractors and other machinery and store it securely when not in use
- Record serial numbers and photograph your kit
- Check serial numbers of second-hand kit offered for sale
A video with advice to prevent GPS theft is also available on Rural Crime – GPS 2022 – YouTube.
