Cost of GPS thefts rocket in 2023

In a sign of the increasing organisation and sophistication of criminals, Global Positioning System (GPS) units were targeted by gangs throughout 2023, causing the value of claims to NFU Mutual to rocket by 137% to an estimated £4.2m. 

Intelligence shows thieves frequently target several farms in one night before moving locations to steal these highly valuable and portable kits, often revisiting farmyards weeks later to steal any replacements. 

The high-tech equipment, typically costing over £10,000 a unit, is used to guide tractors and combine harvesters to improve accuracy. Without it, farmers and agricultural contractors can face severe delays and disruption to harvesting and cultivating work. 

With harvest underway, we’re advising farmers and contractors to be extra vigilant and remove GPS systems where possible and safe to do so and return machinery to locked sheds or out of sight.  

We're doing all we can to tackle this type of crime and we're providing significant funding and support to the agricultural vehicle theft team at the National Rural Crime Unit. 

An advice video can be seen here:  

Hannah Binns, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, said “All the indications suggest rural crime is becoming more organised, sophisticated and determined in its nature, which is incredibly alarming for people who live and work in the countryside.”

“Our latest report highlights Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were the hot ticket item for criminals throughout 2023, with thieves turning to technology to scope out locations and steal these highly valuable and portable kits nationwide. Intelligence also reveals several farms are often targeted in one night before criminals move locations, then returning to these farms’ weeks later in search of any replacements.”

“Theft of these vital kits not only causes serious disruption to farmers, such as preventing them from harvesting their crops in prime condition, but can be deeply stressful and upsetting.”

“Being from a family farm, I know first-hand that the impact of rural crime goes well beyond the practicalities of farming. It’s the unnerving feeling that criminals have boldly staked out and targeted farmyards and fields, often a few feet from the family home. It’s also living in fear of repeat attacks, knowing that thieves are always looking for new ways to target rural communities.”

“That’s why it’s so important for insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police and politicians to continue to work together to provide a united response to the challenge presented by both organised criminals and opportunistic thieves.”

“In particular, NFU Mutual would welcome legislation that strengthens security of GPS units.”

“We will also continue to support farmers directly to help protect their livelihoods, offer expertise as the main insurer of farmers and provide advice to tackle rural crime.”

Superintendent Andrew Huddleston, Head of the National Rural Crime Unit explains, “The number of GPS receiver and screen thefts from agricultural machinery remains worryingly high. Despite working with manufacturers, online retailers, the NFU Mutual and police forces across the UK and Europe, GPS thefts remain a commodity criminals want.”

“There’s no doubt well organised international crime gangs are involved in these thefts and whilst there has been some success with arrests and disruption, we really do need the help of rural communities to be vigilant and through the likes of Rural Watch schemes report suspicious behaviour and vehicles.”

Advice for farmers with GPS kits

• Activate PIN security on your GPS kit with your own unique number
• Mark your postcode on the unit’s case to deter thieves and trace your property back to you
• Keep tractors and combines with GPS stored out of sight whenever possible
• Consider fitting tracking devices to tractors and other farm vehicles
• Remove GPS kit from tractors and other machinery, if safe to do so, and store it securely when not in use
• Record serial numbers and photograph your kit
• Return tractors and combines to the farm yard at night whenever possible
• Always remove keys and store them securely
• Keep farm yard gates closed and lock up buildings at night
• Consider installing CCTV or infra-red movement sensors in the yard
• Instruct staff to be on alert out for unknown people in the farm yard. They may be thieves using harvest time as an excuse to get into farm yards unchallenged
• Be wary of second hand GPS kit offered for sale and check serial numbers before buying.