A third generation arable and potato farmer from Cheshire says more needs to be done to prevent expensive machinery being stolen from farms.
Andrew Shaw’s family farm, Aston Grange Farm in Runcorn, has been targeted three times by criminals in the last ten years.
In the first instance, he said, they broke into the farmhouse; stole a car, tools, the GPS systems; and caused general disruption on the farm.
On the following two occasions the thieves were much more targeted in their approach.
He said they stole a GPS unit as well as the screens which are used with it. They physically ripped screens – some of which were hard wired in – out of Mr Shaw’s farming machinery, resulting in the equipment being put out of use until it could be replaced.
In addition to the associated insurance costs – including his policy excess and increased premiums – Mr Shaw was hit with financial penalties as a result of not being able to supply a potato harvest.
“Farmer’s margins are so tight, and weather windows are so small we have to make the most of the opportunities when we can,” he said.
“Being victims of crime has a huge impact on our livelihoods. I believe all manufacturers should come together to unify and help fix this problem to keep the farming industry going.”
L-R (back row) Andrew Cooper, Tim Roca, Connor Naismith, Andrew Huddleston. L-R (front row) Sarah Russell, Dan Price, Aphra Brandreth.
Now, Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner Dan Price has joined calls for manufacturers of agricultural equipment to add forensic marking to their devices – to deter thieves and help authorities track stolen goods.
Mr Price, along with five Cheshire MPs and bosses at the National Farmers Union (NFU), said serious organised crime was having a significant impact on the county’s agricultural community.
GPS devices, quad bikes, tractors and excavators are all examples of high value items being stolen – with thieves often returning to farms to steal replacement equipment.
Data from NFU Mutual states that in 2023 insurance claims for GPS theft rose by 137% to an estimated £4.2m across the UK.
A letter, co-signed by Mr Price and the five MPs, calls on the government to update the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 to include immobilisation and forensic marking on equipment.
Many farmers depend on their GPS equipment to create accurate farm maps, which help them collect soil samples and monitor crop conditions.
Theft of these devices can cause financial hardship for farmers, not only due to the cost of the unit, but also due to the knock-on effects of the equipment not being available.
It can lead to delays in carrying out essential tasks or farmers having to revert to less reliable methods of work, meaning they struggle to make the most of windows in the weather.
‘Devastating impact’
NFU Cheshire county president Stuart Yarwood commented: “Farmers across Cheshire are feeling the devastating impact of GPS thefts on our livelihoods.”
He said: “It’s crucial that measures such as the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill are extended to provide greater protection for farmers, so we can better safeguard our farm businesses and enable farmers to continue our vital role in food production.”
Mr Price said: “Cheshire Constabulary has been working hard to tackle rural crime with some fantastic results.”
He added: “I am confident, that by carrying on this good work and starting the ball rolling to make change happen here in Cheshire, we can reduce crime, ensure our ongoing food supply and protect the livelihoods of rural communities, not only locally but across the UK.”
