Industry crime prevention advice - rural communities

Information from Police Scotland

Police Scotland’s Rural, Acquisitive and Business Preventions Team are sharing advice to make businesses aware of a recent increase in the theft of quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles. They have shared steps that can be taken by businesses who own these types of vehicles, including tourism businesses, to keep them safe and secure.

Farm machinery, plant and vehicles are vital tools of the trade for those who live and work in our rural communities. The theft of these items adversely affects their livelihoods and has a huge economic impact.

Crime prevention tips

Below are some crime prevention tips to use when thinking of securing machinery:

• fit immobilisation and tracking systems
• when the quad is not in use, remove the keys and store well away from the vehicle
• use clamps and locks to secure machinery
• restrict access to farmyards, buildings, and sheds where possible
• keep machinery out of sight of roadways where thieves’ scope for targets
• consider outside lighting and CCTV to act as deterrent
• record all serial numbers and take photographs

This list is in no way comprehensive, but does provide some advice to aid you in securing your property.