NFU Mutual reports UK farm machinery thefts rose by 5.5% in 2009, costing the industry £42.2 million. Quad bikes head up the top 10 crime list, followed by power tools, Land Rovers/4 by 4s but then come tractors which are now being stolen to order. This fits the picture as described by our members where organised crime is now taking over from the more casual theft seen before and customers are requesting more security.
The AEA backs the CESAR system but this is a deterrent rather than a complete cure and so a multiple approach is needed with immobilizers and trackers becoming more common. Lawnmowers now come in at number 8 on the list.
