Theft in the agricultural sector has been a frequently occurring topic in the news recently. Over the past few years, there has been a significant rise in theft from farmers and agricultural machinery manufacturers. Farmers are increasingly purchasing cutting-edge, expensive equipment for their businesses, and these kinds of assets are tempting for thieves to steal. GPS systems in tractors are a particularly popular target. If you want to avoid falling victim to thieves, read our top-ten tips below.
1. Register serial numbers
Nowadays, manufacturers are also taking action against the theft of GPS systems and other equipment. If your GPS system is stolen and you've registered the serial number, you'll be able to block the licences. Always register the serial numbers of your equipment with the manufacturer.
2. GPS track & trace
Install a wireless GPS track & trace system in your tractor so that you can track its location. A GPS track & trace system shows the location of your tractor and notifies you when the tractor leaves a specific area. Some GPS track & trace systems are also suitable for smaller pieces of equipment that are vulnerable to theft.
Click here to browse wireless GPS track & trace systems and here to view the GeoChaser systems.
3. Take out insurance
Take out insurance for your tractor and/or GPS system. The first option is to insure the tractor together with the GPS system. This means that the GPS system is only protected when it is inside the tractor with which it is insured. Another option is to insure the GPS system separately, which means that it will be covered in any tractor.
4. Fit security cameras and/or install an alarm
Security cameras usually scare thieves off, as cameras create a recording that places the thief at the scene of the crime. If you have footage of the thieves, you can take it to the police. It also helps to install an alarm in the place where the work vehicles are kept. Other options include floodlights with movement detectors, or a guard dog.
5. Anti-theft fence
Fit an alarm to the fence around your site. The alarm sends you a text message when the voltage of the fence drops or when the circuit is interrupted. Or fit an anti-theft box to protect the fence and the battery against theft. In these systems, the battery is concealed in an electric anti-theft box, which you can also secure with a padlock.
6. Add unique markings
Add unique physical markings to your work vehicle that are difficult to remove. Attach name plates or stickers, or engrave something on the vehicle. If thieves try to steal the item, it will always be clear where the item came from.
7. Stay alert in suspicious situations
In most cases, thieves will have already visited the farm to look around and take stock of the situation before they actually make a move. This is why it is a good idea to inform the police, your neighbours or your neighbourhood watch group, if you have one, whenever you spot any suspicious activity around your yard or in the neighbourhood. Try to note down the number plate and pass on this information.
8. Install an immobiliser for agricultural and construction equipment
Immobilisers make it harder for thieves to steal your property by rendering it impossible to start or move a machine without a key. Immobilisers are small boxes that you can tuck away in a concealed location. They disrupt the function of the following three components: the ignition switch, the fuel pump and the starter. The Kramp webshop stocks a range of immobilisers.
9. Trailer security
Want to make sure that your trailer is secure? The Kramp webshop stocks many different types of locks and security devices for your trailer. One of these is the Safety Ball, which secures the trailer when it is parked. The Safety Ball ensures that thieves cannot use a hook in the coupling to steal the trailer.
10. Hide valuables
Store valuables in a secure place and work vehicles on secure land. Remove the GPS system from the tractor at the end of the day, lock the vehicle and store the keys and the GPS system in a concealed location.
There are a whole host of measures you can take to reduce the risk of theft of property from your farm or company. If you have any questions or would like to know more about anti-theft products, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your account manager.
