A RURAL insurer is warning farmers and owners of pick up trucks, after an increase in thefts across the UK. 

NFU Mutual, alongside the police, are encouraging people to safeguard their vehicles against sophisticated thieves. 

The rural insurer and the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) has seen an increase in the theft of pick ups from rural locations. Experts working on recovery have recovered Toyota Hi-Lux trucks which have been shipped abroad by criminal gangs. 

Hannah Binns, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Pick-ups are prized by farmers and the rural community for their practicality and hardiness, but safely this makes them a repeat target for thieves. NFU Mutual has seen an increase in the theft of these vehicles so we’re urging owners to take action to protect their vehicles.

“We work with the NRCU to help track down thieves and trace stolen vehicles, returning them to their owners where possible.

“Prevention is key and we’d urge owners to keep their vehicles locked at all times when not in use and park in well-lit areas which are overlooked.

“Farmers can fit an accredited alarm for security and a tracking device to locate the vehicle if stolen.

“Also consider etching the vehicle identification number on windows, marking any component parts with forensic marking solutions, and photographing any unusual features, modifications, damage or repairs to help aid identification if stolen.

“We’d also urge farmers not to share information on social media which could indicate where their vehicle is kept.”

NFU Mutual’s top tips

  • Keep the vehicle locked at all times when not in use  
  • Fit an accredited alarm for security and a tracking device to locate your vehicle if stolen 
  • Fit a mechanical immobiliser such as a steering wheel or pedal lock  
  • Thieves can target component parts so consider marking them using a forensic marking solution or system  
  • Keep the vehicle in a lockable building if possible, or park in well-lit areas which are overlooked  
  • Have the vehicle identification number etched on windows  
  • Consider fitting a hidden battery isolation or a fuel cut-off switch   
  • Take photographs of unusual features, modifications, damage or repairs which could aid identification if stolen   
  • Ensure any valuables are removed from the vehicle  
  • Don’t share information on social media which could indicate where your vehicle is kept  
  • For modern vehicles, keep electronic keys in a faraday pocket or box at night  

DC Chris Piggott of the National Construction and Agri Thefts Team, which sits within the NRCU, added: “We have seen a large number of Toyota Hi-Lux stolen by organised criminal gangs. Most of them are less than five years old and they are being electronically compromised without any need to access the vehicle keys.  

“It is therefore worth doing all you can to fortify your vehicle, using a combination of measures such as immobilisers and tracking devices as well as traditional methods like pedal and steering wheel locks to deter or hinder thieves. If you’re able to do so, it’s worth keeping the vehicle in a garage when not in use. 

“The Midlands and South East of England have been worst affected recently, but we know criminal gangs often move between regions, so everyone should stay on alert.” 

NFU Mutual has partnered with Scorpion Track to offer customers discounts of more than 50% on sophisticated tracking and anti-theft devices for vehicles.