Rural Task Force issues advice on agricultural GPS thefts

Rural Task Force issues advice on agricultural GPS thefts

Following a recent increase in incidents of theft of agricultural GPS equipment across our region, our Rural Task Force are sharing some advice and crime prevention messaging, alongside appealing to the public to continue reporting rural crime in their area.

Sergeant Kev Jones from our Rural Task Force said: “Rural crime continues to evolve but together we can work to spread awareness and ultimately aim to reduce the impact this type of crime has in our community. Statistics suggest that criminals are increasingly taking advantage of vulnerabilities in rural isolated areas, with a current focus on high value agricultural GPS equipment.

“It is pleasing to see that according to the NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report 2026, that the latest figures highlight a 6% fall year on year with the cost of Rural Crime to an estimated £41.5m, and GPS thefts have seen a dramatic fall in cost down 80% to nearly £250,000, highlighting the effectiveness in crime prevention and the importance of marking equipment and enhancing security measures at farms.

“However, this is not a time to become complacent. During the month of May 2026, our force has seen three GPS thefts in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and over the last 12 months, nine GPS thefts with a total of 19 devices being stolen.

“We have seen these reports of thefts typically occur at night, by offenders on foot approaching agricultural vehicles which are either left in farm yards or within insecure outbuildings.

Please consider the below crime prevention advice:

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

Sgt Jones continued: “My team within the Rural Task Force are passionate about protecting and serving the Rural and Farming Community, and working together to ensure farmers feel safe and bring offenders to justice who think its acceptable to target them.

“We understand that beyond the financial losses, these crimes cause emotional stress, operational delays, and rising insurance premiums, making prevention a top priority for every farming business.

“Our response has continued to evolve to meet that challenge – and the security measures available to you are improving too.

“I would like to take this opportunity to provide the following crime prevention advice for landowners and farmers to review their own security to target harden their land, and mitigate the risk of being a victim of rural crime.

“As always, the team are here to support with the delivery of enhanced Rural Crime Prevention with forensic marking, deterrent signage and tracking options being available to reduce the fear of Rural Crime and maintain public trust and confidence in our focus on protecting our vital farming communities.

Please find some practical steps for Farmers to protect their property below

While rural crime is a serious threat, there are some steps that can be taken to protect valuable equipment. Our officers understand the demands on time in farming, not forgetting the costs of security systems - but the need for strong crime prevention has never been so relevant.

Secure boundaries and access points

Keep gates locked with heavy-duty padlocks and chains.

Use locking posts or barriers to restrict vehicle access.

Maintain hedges and fences to deter entry.

Protect buildings and equipment

Fit strong locks on sheds, barns, and workshops.

Install burglar alarms and motion-sensor lighting.

Store machinery in locked buildings and remove keys when not in use.

Invest in surveillance

Install CCTV cameras with night vision and remote monitoring.

Display visible signage to deter criminals.

Consider monitored alarm systems for high-risk areas.

Laser beams for vulnerable areas

Mark and track assets

Use forensic marking kits or UV pens on tools and machinery.

Record serial numbers and keep photos for insurance.

Fit GPS trackers to tractors and ATVs; register items with CESAR or Immobilise.

Report every incident

Officers from our Rural Task force are urging the public to report every incident no matter how small you believe it to be. Sgt Jones continued “Weather this be a sighting of a suspicious vehicle on the drive, an unknown done nearby, a suspicious car repeatedly passing your property or any other information, your report may be the small but vital piece of evidence we need to take enforcement action.

Sgt Jones said: “Whilst you may not see immediate action, all reports are logged and feed directly into policing your local area, we cannot be everywhere at once, and our rural community’s know their area, and will know when something does not look right.

“I would ask that you call 101 to report any information you may have, in an emergency or if there is immediate threat to life always call 999.

Recognise

Be alert:

Is there something unusual (unfamiliar vehicles, gates open, hard cover moved)?

Be aware of criminal tactics, such as scouting farms, drone use etc.

Record

If you notice something suspicious:

Write down details like vehicle make, model, colour, and registration.

Record date, time and location (use What3Words if you have it).

Take photos or videos if safe to do so. Do not put yourself in harm’s way.

Keep a log of repeated sightings or patterns.

If you are interested in a crime prevention visit please contact your local farm watch coordinator, or email the team at RTF@humberside.police.uk

Further advice can be found here: Rural Crime Prevention

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