The Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging farmers to be vigilant following reports by South Wales Police that there has been an increase throughout the UK of the theft of high value Tractor Navigation Systems.
It is believed that farms are being targeted and the devices are being exported and sold via various auction platforms worldwide. Fully licenced, these systems can cost upwards of £20,000, all carry unique serial numbers which can be checked with manufacturers.
FUW Glamorgan County executive officer Rachel Saunders said: “We urge members across the county and indeed Wales to be extra vigilant. If you are using these systems on your farm, take some crime prevention action by photographing all items relevant to the system including a close up of the serial numbers and mark them up with your surname, farm name, post code etc.
“Any removable parts should be removed from agricultural machinery and locked away safely each night and not left on the tractors. The advice is for such items to be stored in a safe place within the main property.”