Farmers warned of rise in tractor tech thefts

Farmers have been warned by police to be "vigilant" after a series of thefts targeting their GPS systems.

Northamptonshire Police's rural crime team said it has seen a "noticeable rise" in the theft of GPS domes or guidance systems from tractors or agricultural machinery.

It said four separate incidents had been reported in the last 10 days.

PC Hutch Hutchings said: "These are not opportunist thefts. They are targeted offences often taking place in the hours of darkness by organised criminals."

He said the thieves "know exactly what they are looking for and know they can quickly sell the items on".

The force said thefts of this specialist satellite equipment appeared to be a "growing trend" across the UK.

Hutchings added: "Modern GPS domes and guidance systems are essential to today's farming operations and can cost thousands of pounds to replace.

"Their theft can bring work to a standstill at one of the busiest times of the farming year."

He urged famers to remove GPS domes and screens from the machines wherever practical, and store them securely overnight.

People should also record serial numbers and ensure their security systems and CCTV were working correctly.

"The farming community is our eyes and ears. Timely information from the public is often the key to identifying those responsible and preventing further offences," he said.

"If you notice unfamiliar vehicles, suspicious activity around farms, or people showing an unusual interest in agricultural machinery, particularly during the evening or early hours, please report it to us immediately."

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