Rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging farmers and other owners of pick-up trucks to take actions to safeguard their vehicles amid a rise in thefts in rural areas.
NFU Mutual and the National Rural Crime Unit (NCRU) said newer pick-up models are being targeted by “sophisticated criminals” who compromise keyless entrance systems.
Together, the insurer and police are advising owners to adopt a combination of traditional and technological security measures in order to safeguard their vehicles from criminal gangs.
NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, Hannah Binns, said: “Pick-ups are prized by farmers and the rural community for their practicality and hardiness, but safely this makes them a repeat target for thieves.
“NFU Mutual has seen an increase in the theft of these vehicles so we’re urging owners to take action to protect their vehicles.
“We work with the National Rural Crime Unit to help track down thieves and trace stolen vehicles, returning them to their owners where possible.
“Prevention is key and we’d urge owners to keep their vehicles locked at all times when not in use and park in well-lit areas which are overlooked.”
Binns said farmers can fit an accredited alarm for security and a tracking device to locate the vehicle if it is stolen.
“Also consider etching the vehicle identification number on windows, marking any component parts with forensic marking solutions, and photographing any unusual features, modifications, damage or repairs to help aid identification if stolen,” she said.
“We’d also urge farmers not to share information on social media which could indicate where their vehicle is kept.
Toyota Hi-Lux
DC Chris Piggott of the National Construction and Agri Thefts Team of NRCU said Toyota Hi-Lux models are being targeted by thieves.
“We have seen a large number of Toyota Hi-Lux stolen by organised criminal gangs. Most of them are less than five years old and they are being electronically compromised without any need to access the vehicle keys,” he said.
“It is therefore worth doing all you can to fortify your vehicle, using a combination of measures such as immobilisers and tracking devices as well as traditional methods like pedal and steering wheel locks to deter or hinder thieves.
“If you’re able to do so, it’s worth keeping the vehicle in a garage when not in use.
“The Midlands and South East of England have been worst affected recently, but we know criminal gangs often move between regions, so everyone should stay on alert.”
NFU Mutual’s advice for securing vehicles includes:
- Keeping the vehicle locked at all times when not in use;
- Fitting an accredited alarm for security and a tracking device to locate your vehicle if stolen;
- Marking the vehicle with a forensic marking solution or system;
- Keeping the vehicle in a lockable building if possible, or park in well-lit areas which are overlooked;
- Having the vehicle identification number etched on windows;
- Consider fitting a hidden battery isolation or a fuel cut-off switch
- Taking photographs of unusual features, modifications, damage or repairs which could aid identification if stolen;
- Ensuring any valuables are removed from the vehicle;
- Not sharing information on social media which could indicate where your vehicle is kept;
- For modern vehicles, keeping electronic keys in a faraday pocket or box at night.
