Theft of farm and construction equipment has become a major problem in the UK and Europe and is a thing that all farmers and owners of high value machinery must now be familiar with. In the past manufacturers have already been very slow in introducing security features on machinery making things like tractors and telescopic forklifts super easy for fast and lucrative pickings. That is made even easier with the insane fact that one key fits many machines. It appears beyond comprehension that has been permitted to happen at all for so many years. Each year in the UK alone an estimated �50-70 million of heavy plant and farm machinery gets stolen. And a tiny fraction of this is recovered.
To combat this manufactures have finally decided to take action. Plant hire Buckingham for instance have started installing new vehicle immobilizing systems which is able to shut off the fuel supply to the engine and to lock the hydraulic system by using an electro-mechanical valve which is operated via a key-fob or pin number system. This combined with a tracker system using GPS if criminals do have the ability to over come the security features helps it be far more likely that the equipment will be recovered. Currently only 5% of stolen agricultural and plant machinery is recovered.
Manufacturers like McCormick, John Deere and Landini now work with a data tag micro dot coded identification system which registers your tractor, this can’t be read by the human eye but can be read by the authorities with the correct equipment.
Just what exactly can we do to greatly help prevent machines that have not been fitted with these elaborate systems from being stolen? Though it goes without saying you must never leave your machines unlocked with the main element inside even if it is sitting in your yard. Easily installed hidden immobilizing switches could be fitted to the machines electrical system, although this technique is not 100% effective and may possibly be bypassed by someone it will take diagnosis which takes precious time which your average thief does not have.
A simple thing just like the removal of fuses if the machine is not being used for any length of time is worth considering. However if crime in your town is particularly bad then it really is worth considering fitting an off the shelf immobilizing systems, these can be purchase for quite reasonable prices. These security systems could be easily fitted either by using a long-lasting battery or utilizing the on board power supply to charge the system and will send the owner a message via telephone or email if the tractor is moved when it ought to be out of use or if it is moved out of a specific area, it could then be tracked quickly using GPS systems for quick recovery.
Always be vigilant and report anything suspicious in your area. In case you are unlucky enough to have turn into a victim of crime let the police know and then register your lost equipment online to let other folks become aware so others don’t get caught out buying your stolen goods.