An extra officer has been recruited to a UK farm machinery crime-fighting unit to boost its efforts tackling rural crime. 

In his new role as Field Intelligence Officer at the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS),a unit funded by NFU Mutual, Gavin Hughes will work with Detective Constable Chris Piggott, who has headed the NaVCIS agricultural unit for the last 10 years.  

The unit’s work includes co-ordinating intelligence on stolen farm machinery between forces across the UK and advising farmers on security. It also works with machinery manufacturers to improve security.  

Gavin Hughes said: “I was brought up in the countryside and understand the impact that agricultural vehicle theft has on farmers. With 30 years’ experience in South Wales Police my policing career has included supporting farmers in their fight against rural crime and I am looking forward to building upon this work at NaVCIS.” 

Bob Henderson, National Technical Engineering Manager at leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, said: “Thefts from farms are rising as inflation hits people’s pockets, so this additional resource is very welcome.  

“The dedicated police unit which is funded by NFU Mutual works with police forces across the country on the lookout for stolen agricultural vehicles. Farm machinery theft now involves highly organised international criminal gangs and NaVCIS provides the specialist resource to tackle them.”

Gavin also warned farmers to be on the lookout for thieves. He said: “We’re now seeing more tractors being stolen than in recent years while quad bikes all-terrain vehicles and trailers remain high on rural thieves’ shopping lists. 

“Thieves are also continuing to target high-value GPS guidance systems used on tractors, combines and sprayers despite better security.  

“This means removing and locking up keys when tractors are not in use is now essential on all farms. Security measures such as CESAR security marking, immobilisers and trackers are good deterrents.  Locked yard gates, floodlights and CCTV are also effective  - depending on the location and layout of your farm.” 

DC Piggott said: “Gavin’s wealth of experience fighting vehicle crime and rural background is a huge boost to NaVCIS and will mean we can do far more to prevent farmers’ machinery from being stolen - and bring criminals to justice.” 

In 2021, NaVCIS recovered agricultural vehicles worth £2.6m, up from £2.3m in 2020. 

For more information about rural security and rural crime trends, visit NFU Mutual.co.uk