All-terrain vehicles, or quad bikes as they are commonly referred to, are a very popular method of transport for farm work. They make getting around the farm a great deal easier and many farmers would be lost without them. However, police have warned that theft of the vehicles, along with quad bike accessories, is on the increase at farms up and down the country.
Police in Northumberland have been warning farmers about the rise in thefts and urging them to take great care to ensure their ATV is secured. Last year more than 50 ATVs were stolen in the Northumberland area alone. Many of these were stolen from farms at an average of one every week. Reports have suggested that it’s the same up and down the country with quad bikes in Lancashire also being increasingly targeted by thieves. Honda quad bikes are a particular favourite choice of thieves.
Thieves seem to believe that because they are acting in rural areas they are more likely to get away with the theft. Farmers may also believe that they are safer in rural areas and this may lead to some failing to ensure their property is secure at all times. Crime prevention is sadly needed and police are stressing that tracker devices fitted onto quad bikes are one way of perhaps getting back your bike if it is stolen. Of course prevention is better than cure and there are numerous alarms and securing devices on the market that can ensure your quad bike is secure.