NFU Cymru is warning farmers to be extra vigilant on farm security after a series of quad bike thefts.

A growing number of farms have been targeted by thieves in recent weeks, with several successful and unsuccessful attempts to steal quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

NFU Cymru president John Davies said: “Although these most recent thefts occurred in the mid Wales and south east Wales areas, we’re encouraging farmers across the country to give urgent consideration to their on farm security. It seems the coronavirus lockdown restrictions and the cold temperatures are doing little to deter would-be thieves from taking items, such as quad bikes and ATVs which are integral to our daily work, from our farms.

“It goes without saying that prevention is better than the cure and the most prudent advice is to make buildings, fields and vehicles safe and secure – don’t allow yourself and your business to be an easy target.

“I encourage anyone who sees any activity in or around the farm that they deem suspicious, no matter how insignificant, to report this information to the police on 101. It’s vital that our police forces are able to piece together a picture of the crimes occurring in our rural areas. Any information you provide could well help contribute to evidence leading to a successful prosecution further down the line.”

NFU Cymru is issuing the following advice to farmers to help them prevent theft of quad bikes and ATVs:

• Invest in a bespoke quad security device or a quality padlock and chain, such as those approved by Secured By Design – a police approved product scheme. Securing to a fixed point on the ground or something that takes time to remove will also act as a deterrent.

• Never leave your keys in the ignition, even if you only briefly leave your ATV unattended.

• Keep gates to yards closed as open gates can be an open invitation to thieves.

• Install Tracker devices on agricultural machinery as this system can support police with locating and retrieving those vehicles once they have left the farm (NFU Cymru members can receive savings of up to £234 on Tracker products).

More information and advice on crime prevention can be found on NFU Cymru’s rural crime hub at nfu-cymru.org.uk/.