Insurers at NFU Mutual have urged farmers to be alert for criminal gangs, using diversion tactics to steal newer models of tractor.

image expired

The warning comes after a farmer almost fell victim to a tractor-jacking near Witchurch in North Shropshire over the weekend.

Tractor driver Alex Digby was delivering hay along a small lane in Higher Heath on Sunday evening. He drew near to a man stood by the roadside, clutching his chest and apparently unsteady on his feet. The man appeared to be suffering from a heart attack, so the driver slowed his tractor to offer assistance when another man, who had been concealed behind a hedge, leapt out and attempted to enter the cab. Fortunately, Digby managed to get the tractor in gear and drive away from the pair.

West Mercia Police said the tractor, a modern John Deere model worth approximately £70,000, would need to be stolen with the keys, as the latest tractor models have chipped keys, without which the tractor would be useless.

The farm owner told local newspaper the Shropshire Star that he is worried other tractor drivers could fall victim to similar ploys. He expressed concern as, although the machine was insured, he did not know whether its loss in such circumstances would be covered, given that the keys were in the tractor.

NFU Mutual advised to install marking systems such as Datatag and CESAR, or tracking devices to improve the likelihood of stolen machinery being recovered.

Tim Price, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, commented, "It's a good idea to get into the habit of taking the keys out of tractors every time you get off as insurers do require farmers to take reasonable steps to prevent theft. However, While I can’t speak for other insurers, NFU Mutual wouldn’t come down hard on someone who had got off a tractor to help someone who appeared to be ill.

"It's the first time I've heard of this sort of distraction technique – but today's thieves will go to extraordinary lengths to steal tractors – so it's not entirely surprising."

Tim said NFU Mutual has developed a farm security checklist to help farmers minimise their risk of falling victim to theft:

• Remove keys and secure cars, tractors, and other vehicles when unattended
• Keep gates to farm yards closed whenever possible
• Fit CESAR marking systems and immobilizers to tractors
• Use security lighting in yards and drives
• Have the Vehicle Identification Number etched on vehicle windows
• Consider tracking devices for more expensive machines/cars
• Physically secure ATVs using suitable locking devices or heavy duty security chain and padlocks
• Record machinery serial numbers