According to figures from NFU Mutual’s 2017 Rural Crime report, the cost of rural crime to the UK reached £39.2m and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are one of the top targeted item for thieves.

ATVs are now the main workhorse for any farm, no matter the location or size, due to their ability to tackle any terrain and move heavy items with ease. If an ATV is stolen, the loss can potentially affect how a farm runs effectively on a day to day basis.

This has led to farmers becoming more security conscious and investing in preventative measures to prevent the theft or at least to have the vehicle traced and returned if it is stolen.

South West Farmer asked Paul Wood, BRP commercial and network development manager, for his advice on keeping an ATV secure.

• When purchasing an ATV ensure that the dealership you purchase it from fits a tracker system.

• Make sure that you record all the serial numbers of the vehicles/machinery you may have on site as it will help you identify vehicles if one is stolen.

• Be sure that you are lighting the right places on your farm, in particular the tool sheds, fuel tanks and outbuildings. Install motion sensor lights that will automatically illuminate areas if any movement is detected.

• Report all incidents of theft and any suspicious behaviour to the police to enable them to be aware and investigate accordingly.

• Keep all vehicles out of sight and weld a metal cover over the hasp to protect the building’s padlocks from being cut with bolt cutters.

• Keep all storage areas locked with padlocks, hasps and deadbolts.

• Regularly prune any trees or shrubbery that are potentially blocking the light sources.

• Regularly tour your farm to look at spots that are in permanent darkness as well as vulnerable areas such as gates, fences and doors that could be damaged and may need fixing or replacing.

• Do not leave any vehicles outside when you have finished with them. Remove the keys and place somewhere out of view in the house.

• Display signage at the front of your farm telling visitors where they cannot go.

BRP designs, manufactures and distributes motorised professional, recreational and powersport vehicles and owns the Can-Am brand.