Suffolk police issues warning following recent GPS thefts
6th April 2023
Farmers in Suffolk are being urged to maintain vigilance following a string of GPS farm equipment thefts in Eye, Bedingfield and Friston within the last week.
According to Suffolk police, the first incident took place overnight between 7pm on 29th March and 7am on 30th March, when a farm in Friston had three GPS trackers and 3 Pro 700 screens taken from three different tractors (crime ref: 37/18531/23). Around 300 litres of Ad Blue was also drained out of a container, with the value of equipment stolen totalling £15,000.
The second incident saw three GPS screens, a total control screen and three GPS domes stolen from three tractors at a farm in Bedingfield from Monday 3rd April at 9pm to Tuesday 4th April at 7.15am (crime ref: 37/19528/23).
Meanwhile, the third incident occurred at some point between 4pm on Monday 3rd April and 7am on Tuesday 4th April at a farm in Hoxne that had a GPS system valued at £10,000 taken from a tractor (crime ref: 37/19778/23).
Investigations are currently ongoing and the police have linked the three recent incidents. Authorities also believe those responsible for the thefts had a high degree of knowledge of how to access the site and the units.
Enquires are ongoing to track down the criminal(s) responsible for the thefts and anyone who has seen any suspicious activity relating to these incidents or knows of the whereabouts of the stolen goods should contact Suffolk police quoting the relevant crime number.
The public can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org with any relevant information.
To prevent any further cases, farmers, land owners and businesses in possession of GPS equipment are asked to remain vigilant of any suspicious activity and consider the following safety advice:
- If possible, remove all kit from machines when not in use, especially if the machinery is left out overnight
- Review security at your premises, as well as premises where such equipment is serviced and sold
- Record the serial number and take a digital image of the number
- Security mark the kit, possibly with a UV marker or permanent black marker, with the name of your location and postcode to make it unattractive to a would-be thief.
Farmers are also advised to review the farm security checklist compiled by the Norfolk and Suffolk police.
