The compulsory fitting of immobilisers to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) was positively received by members of both political parties in Parliament this morning (Friday).

The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill aims to prevent the theft and re-sale of equipment and tools used by farmers and contractors.

Conservative MP Greg Smith has brought the Bill. Speaking of it this morning, he said it was “preposterous” that it is not compulsory for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to be built with immobilisers.

Explaining the Bill, he said: “It mandates the fitting of forensic markings at source, which feeds into a national database that is accessible to all police forces across the country, making the quads, the ATVs, the side-by-sides, that are fitted with the forensic marking… making those bits of equipment almost as unique as our own DNA, making them entirely traceable.

“This will streamline the ability for each force involved to work with the same resources simultaneously, massively increasing the opportunity to apprehend the suspect, identify and return the stolen machine to its owner.”

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He said the other key change would be to mandate the fitting of immobilisers on such vehicles, saying: “For over 20 years now, immobilisers have been mandatory for all new passenger cars sold in the United Kingdom… they are fundamental in preventing vehicle theft.

“Yet, despite the many functions of both quad bikes and ATVs, this rule does not currently apply to either. I put it to the House that that is simply preposterous.

“Something as simple and as easy to fit as an immobiliser is simply a no-brainer for such essential and valuable assets to our farmers.

“Thieves are seeing quads and ATVs as easily portable hot-ticket items.

“We have come to the point with the scale of theft of quad bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides that this legislation is simply now necessary, with those numbers, 800 to 1,100 per year stolen.”

The Labour Party agreed to the measures, with shadow home office minister Holly Lynch saying: “This would be a welcome tool to support the police in determine search thefts, finding stolen goods, and supporting those agricultural and land workers who need this kit in order to do their jobs.”