Neighbourhood Watch – Rural Crime

Rural Crime – Prevent Thieves from Targeting Your Property

In recent weeks Police Scotland has seen a rise in the reporting of thefts of quad bikes, trailers, plant machinery and vehicles from rural properties.

We recommend multiple levels of security to DETER, DELAY and DETECT thieves.

DETER
Security Marking & Signage
CCTV & Signage
Security Lighting

DELAY
Secure Entrances to Farm Steadings (Land managers and owners need to be mindful of obligations under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003)
Secured Sheds / Buildings
Park vehicle in front of secured shed doors
Don’t Leave Keys in or near Quad Bikes/Vehicles

DETECT
Shed & Building Alarms
CCTV
Vehicle Trackers

General advice for all vehicles

Where possible, vehicles should be housed in a lockable garage or building, ideally with security lighting installed to the perimeter.
Vehicles should always be locked when not in use, with the keys kept hidden and locked away in a secure location.
Keep recordings or photographs of serial numbers and vehicles as these can be crucial in recovery, should the worst happen.
Quad bikes and ATVs Quads and All-Terrain Vehicles are the top target for thieves in the UK as they are easier to steal and sell-on than larger farm vehicles. As well as being simple to jump on and drive off when they’re left standing, thieves also take them from workshops and barns.
Invest in a bespoke quad security device, such as Quadvice or a quality padlock and chain, such as those approved by Secured By Design – a police approved product scheme.
Securing to a fixed point on the ground or something that takes time to remove will also act as a deterrent.
Never leave your keys in the ignition, even if you only briefly leave your ATV unattended.
Install immobilisers, chip keys and trackers as these are a simple way to deter criminals or track vehicles and can be fitted easily by an experienced agricultural engineer.
Mark machinery with DNA marking devices
Sign up to CESAR, an agricultural equipment registration scheme, which increases the chance of recovering stolen goods by helping police identify stolen machinery
Keep gates to yards closed as open gates can be an invitation to thieves.

If you see a crime being committed or see something suspicious and urgent contact Police on 999. If you have information which might be useful regarding a crime then contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.