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.
The warning comes the same week a quad was reported stolen from a property near Abernethy, a month after another quad was stolen from a farm near Muthill and just a few months after a pick-up truck was taken from another farm near Bridge of Earn.
Bob Henderson from NFU’s agricultural engineering team said: “The thieves behind this latest surge in quad theft are slicker, more determined and more prolific than before.
“We cannot emphasise enough the importance of removing keys from machines and securing your quad when it’s not in use.
Constable Lynn Black from the National Rural and Acquisitive Crime Unit at Police Scotland added: “The supply shortages mean the criminals are cashing in on this ready-made illicit market and we are also urging people to thoroughly check what they are buying and not to fuel theft against a fellow farmer.
"We have had some successful recoveries of quads recently due to having a tracker fitted which is always something Police Scotland would recommend.
“After removal of keys, trackers and immobilisers are the most effective measures as both a deterrent and also increasing the chance of police recovering the vehicle and catching the people behind these crimes.”
