Tips to protect farming equipment from theft « Juniper Innovations – IT strategy and project delivery consultants

Tips to protect farming equipment from theft

The BBC TV Countryfile team reported on Sunday 26th September 2010 that rural crime is rising in the UK. So what can be done to protect farming equipment, property and assets?

1. Use effective deterrents

Let thieves know you have tracking or authentication protection, such as enigmaTAG. This includes window stickers and labels to warn would-be thieves away.

2. Consider GPS tracking

Modern GPS trackers have a number of functions and features including:

Covert installation so they are difficult to find and deactivate
Real time email and SMS alerts if equipment is moved at specified times of the day or night, ignition is turned on, or the asset is moved outside or into boundaries, so you know immediately if there is a problem
Movement history as well as real time accurate turn by turn and distance tracking, making it easier for police to locate your asset
Web based reporting so you can see your asset movement anywhere on the web for faster detection
Reports and alerts for multiple assets so you know all your propery is protected

3. Authenticate your property and assets

A subtle way to deter thieves is using tagging solutions such as enigmaTAG. By tagging different parts of your plant equipment and vehicles you are ensuring that when your property is recovered (either part or whole) police can link them to the rightful owner. Furthermore and more powerfully, since enigmaTAG is forensically proven in its own right, any would be thief caught with your property marked with enigmaTAG will be caught in possession of a stolen item. This carries a severe penalty in the UK and acts as an effective deterrent.

4. Protect small and large items

Large, expensive, branded tractors and excavators aren’t the only property stolen from farms. Smaller and less expensive items are also stolen such as mini diggers and mowers. So authenticate and track these as well.