Dorset Police is encouraging farmers to review the security of their vehicles after seeing a rise in quad bike thefts this time last year.

A spokesman from Dorset Police Rural Crime Team said: “In 2018 we had a rise in quad bike thefts during March and April.

“What is your security arrangement like for your all-terrain-vehicles (ATV) or utility-task vehicles (UTV)? Is it secure enough to stop thieves taking it?

“We have put together a list of security measures to consider using to secure your ATVs and UTVs.” The measures include:

n Keep your vehicle in a lockable garage or building and make sure you remove the keys and keep them in a secure location and out of view, not hidden on the vehicle and out of view of any windows.

n Cover any windows in the garage or shed where the vehicle is kept, this will prevent the thief seeing what’s inside.

n Use a grip lock that locks the breaks on the machine to prevent it being moved without removal.

n Physically secure your machine using suitable locking devices and fixed ground anchors secured to the floor using heavy duty security chains and padlocks.

n Consider fitting isolating systems to machines that will prevent theft such as fuel and battery isolators.

n Consider using additional brake locks to your machine.

n Cover any windows to the building where your vehicle is kept this will prevent any persons looking through the windows.

n Consider installing security lighting and CCTV with sensors and PIR Alarms on the perimeter of the building or premises.

n Get your machine marked with security marking scheme such as Datatag or CESAR.

n Consider fitting immobilisers, VHF and GPS Tracking devices.

n Why not contact your local dealer and ask them what they can do for you to prevent your vehicle from being stolen?

n Insurance companies will often offer a discount to premiums with these types of measures. Machines fitted and registered with security markings are four times less likely to be stolen and are six times more likely to be recovered if they are stolen.

n Record machinery serial numbers and take photographs for reference. If the machine is ever stolen a photo will increase publicity prospects and recovery of the machine.

n Report suspicious vehicle or callers to police by calling 999 if the vehicle or occupants are seen committing crime or phone 101 or via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk if the vehicle is seen acting suspiciously.

To find out more information about what’s available or to arrange a bespoke crime prevention visit to your farm or rural premises please email the team directly at ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk.