With crime gangs costing farmers £50 million every year, and reports finding a 33% increase in quads and ATV theftٰ, experts at ADT have offered their expert advice on deterring potential thieves.

Install a home security system

The visible presence of outdoor cameras, CCTV systems and an alarm bell-box can help deter opportunistic thieves from targeting your property.

If your vehicles are parked on a driveway, it may be worth installing cameras and ensuring that they are focused on your vehicle. Even when you are away from your tractor or ATV, installing high-quality cameras means that you will be notified if a person is close to your vehicle. ADT home security cameras also come equipped with an audible deterrent, so if they detect someone snooping around your tractor, the cameras can emit noise to warn people off automatically. Alternatively, you can also set up your cameras with smart plugs to switch on lights inside the property to spook thieves.

Park your tractor in a well-lit area

This is one of the simplest methods to keep your tractor and ATVs safe against break-ins, according to the MET Police. Thieves are less likely to target a noticeable vehicle, and the extra light will make it more difficult for them to break in without being observed.

If you are parking outside your home, check that your outdoor lighting is in working order. If any of your outdoor lights are not working properly, it is important to fix them - having the areas outside of your property well-lit makes it a lot harder for burglars to work on your tractor discreetly, thus making your vehicle a less likely target.

Keep your tractor locked away

If you park your tractor or ATV in an outhouse or garage, it is important to make sure that you are keeping your vehicle secure and locking any doors. It is also recommended that you install a CCTV camera in the outhouse, to ensure you can keep an eye on your tractor even when you are away from it.

Set up an alarm system or a tracking gadget

If someone tries to break into your vehicle, a loud alarm will draw attention and is likely to scare them away. Installing a tracking gadget is another good option. This will not only help you recover your stolen tractor, but it also assists the police in catching the thief and making an arrest.