Tractors

Tractor security and theft prevention using VIN CHIP®

Tractors are not only a high-value asset for a farmer, but they are an invaluable tool.

Without the practical workhorse and versatility of a Tractor, crops cannot be transported, fields don’t get ploughed, essential equipment cannot be moved, and many more essential farming tasks are impossible to undertake. Whilst waiting for an insurance settlement extra costs are incurred by hiring a temporary replacement and that is only if one is available.

Recently, with global economic strains and supply issues, the number of tractors being stolen has increased.

Bob Henderson, Technical Engineering Manager at NFU Mutual, said:

“We’re concerned that this series of raids could mark a return of organised tractor thefts from our farms”

“We haven’t seen this level of organised raids by tractor thieves for over two years. During the pandemic we saw criminals turn their sights onto smaller, more portable kit but these latest tractor thefts show we need to up our game to keep thieves at bay”

VIN CHIP’s proven security solution has been specifically adapted for tractors and it is designed around our company values: 

DON’T BE A VICTIM | DETER - PROTECT - IDENTIFY

DETER – VIN CHIP’s visible markings on your tractor immediately warn would be thieves that the asset is protected with our security solution and comes with an increased risk of being caught and prosecuted.

PROTECT – Multiple layers of technology protect your asset, preventing re-identification or cloning for resale by organised criminals. Protecting your assets with VIN CHIP can significantly increase the potential of their recovery and return, in the event of worst-case scenario.

IDENTIFY– VIN CHIP can identify your tractor at long-range using its advanced RFID which means the Police don’t waste valuable time and resources. It ensures that your asset is quickly and easily traced back to you through verification on our Secure Registration Database. A trained and approved installer will fit our unique security system on your machine to eliminate legitimisation of stolen items and will ensure the owner is registered on our Secure Registration Database.

Our RFID Technology has been used by police for over 25 years because:

• It uses proven technology with superior long-range RFID which can be read by Police scanners – with no risk of revealing the position of the chip. 
• We provide overt and covert markings to deter theft and prevent re-identification or cloning for resale by organised criminals.
• Your VIN or unique alphanumeric code will be registered on our Secure Registration Database enabling the Police to instantly identify the rightful owner.
• VIN CHIP provides a 24/7 dedicated contact centre

Tractor theft is a concern for many agricultural businesses and with farms often in isolated locations, effective security measures are crucial to deter thieves and organised criminals. Here are some anti-theft precautions you can take to keep your tractor safe:

1. Keep it out of sight, in a secure building with strong door and window locks when not in use
2. Invest in a visible intruder alarm for the building where your tractor is stored
3. If parked outside, always lock it and keep the keys in your possession or in a secure safe
4. Install a VinChip security marking system which uses numerous visible and invisible markings
5. Register your tractor on a Secure Asset Register such as the VIN CHIP registration database
6. Take photographs and keep a record of the tractor’s VIN, serial and/or chassis number
7. Use a steering ram lock and a steering wheel lock to delay thieves
8. Fit a vehicle alarm, immobilisation and/or tracking system
9. Install motion detection security lights or automatic dusk till dawn lights
10. Clearly display warning signs to deter criminals.

Be proactive. Don’t be a victim!

Additional advice, to build up layers of security, to protect your rural home or business premises:

• Look for weaknesses in your security - try to view it from the perspective of a possible thief
• Ensure gates cannot be easily removed - reverse or cap top gate hinges to prevent lifting
• Use robust, security rated, covered padlocks on gates with heavy duty chains
• Install security bars or grilles on vulnerable windows
• Install security rated shutters to delay intruders
• Establish routine checks on security equipment to ensure it works properly
• Install surveillance cameras with high quality night vision, covering the main access points and clearly display security camera signage.
• Install a controlled entry/exit system and remove any private access points
• Create ditches around the perimeter of your land to prevent vehicle access
• Use locking posts or vehicle bollards as a deterrent to obstruct and control large openings
• Removable cattle grids should be locked out of position when they are not in use.

Your local police rural crime team may be able to help you with further advice or a survey and can advise you of any local crime trends.