Rise of the drones in rural crime

Drones are being piloted over farms and land by thieves to identify potential targets. This relatively new technology allows thieves to explore farms from the air where they will be used to identify security weak spots – the aerial footage is allowing thieves to gain intelligence about farm movements, buildings, entry and exit points, and security such as CCTV cameras and of course equipment and machinery – all without detection.

Light-weight drones do not require a licence – therefore, the price of unmanned aerial vehicles is getting lower all the time and can be as little as only £50-£100.

Quad bikes and ATVs are amongst the biggest target for thieves owing to their portability, high value and ease to sell world-wide. Owners of these vehicles are being encouraged to increase security following a significant rise in thefts as the use of drones is rising to scope out farms and rural properties.

Each year, it is estimated between 800 and 1,100 all- terrain vehicles (ATVs) are stolen from farms across the United Kingdom - with criminals targeting rural communities before quickly selling on stolen equipment and machinery.

A tiny part can make a big impact – fuelling the increase in theft of ATVs

This figure is set to rise as the global shortage of components and microchips is holding up manufacturing and across-theboard – this includes ATVs and Quad bikes. Before the supply chain issue, a farmer could visit a local ATV dealer and pick up a replacement vehicle with ease, sometimes within a week or so but now, there’s a waiting list of anything up to a year!

CESAR Compact System

Identification of stolen compact vehicles, such as ATVs and quads has already been made far easier with CESAR.

This proven technology is being utilised by most leading manufacturers, and members of the farming community currently retrofit the CESAR Compact System, to their new and used agricultural vehicles.

The CESAR Compact System reduces the risk of theft by enabling plant owners to apply a permanent identification to their assets through a combination of proven Datatag technologies including tamper evident warning labels, RFID transponders and Datadots® with forensic DNA solution. It’s also backed by Datatag’s secure 24/7 Contact Centre.

A guide to safeguard farm property from thieves:

• Video: In this video Bob Henderson (NFU) talks to DC Chris Pigott (NaVCIS) about how to prevent Quad Bike theft with simple yet effective steps to stop theft and aid recovery. Also how premium a discount on insurance is offered by NFU

Mutual with Quads and ATVs fitted with approved immobilisers. Check out the video to find out more…

Preventing Quad Bike

THEFT – THE FOURTH IN A SERIES OF VIDEOS TO COMBAT RURAL CRIME. (cesarscheme.org)

• Although farmers may use drones for agricultural purposes, if you start seeing or hearing a drone over your property, report it to the Police. Thieves launching drones could be parked in close proximity as they need to do so from a fairly close distance but some drones can fly a few miles away from the operator.

• Keeping ATVs, quad bikes etc safe from being spotted by drones, keep it out of sight whenever possible, especially at the end of the working day. Keep all valuable tools and equipment in a building or out of sight from the air, if possible.

• Lock farm equipment and remove keys from the ignition; keep keys in a secure location that thieves cannot access.

• Record vehicle, serial, model and chassis numbers and take pictures of your vehicle, especially any distinctive markings.

• Use forensic marking & registration technology, such as the Official CESAR Security System, to assist the Police in recovering and identifying stolen vehicles and property and prosecuting thieves.

• Lock and chain your vehicle if possible and ideally fit immobilisation and a GPS tracking system to your vehicles if you can.