A rural insurer has warned shortages of new and second-hand farm machinery is fuelling a surge in quad bikes being stolen from farms across Scotland.
NFU Mutual says global supply chain problems, shipping delays and the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit have all contributed to growing waiting lists for new quads as well as increased demand for second-hand kit.
The insurer says data shows that although quad bike theft fell initially over the pandemic, determined criminal gangs are now ramping up their efforts with almost half the UK quad and ATV thefts reported in 2021 taking place from September to December.
