News
Feature Article in County Gazette - DORSET POLICE ISSUE WARNING AS ATV AND UTV THEFTS RISE
Source: https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk
Dorset Police Rural Crime Team are urging owners of ATVs and UTVs to take action following an increase in thefts across the county.
During December there have been 11 vehicles stolen from rural areas, taking the total during 2019 across Dorset up to 29 ATVs and seven UTVs.
The police have put together a list of security measures to consider using to secure your vehicles. They advise that the ideal security solution to secure your ATV is with different layers of security.
Advice is as follows:
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.
- Use a grip lock that locks the brakes on the machine to prevent it being moved without removal.
- Physically secure your machine using suitable locking devices and fixed ground anchors secured to the floor using heavy duty security chains and padlocks.
- Consider fitting isolating systems to machines that will prevent theft such as fuel and battery isolators.
- Cover any windows to the building where your vehicle is kept this will prevent any persons looking through the windows.
- Consider installing security lighting and CCTV with sensors and PIR Alarms on the perimeter of the building or premises.
- Get your machine marked with security marking scheme such as DATATAG or CESAR.
- Consider fitting immobilisers, VHF and GPS Tracking devices.
- Why not contact your local dealer and ask them what they can do for you to prevent your vehicle from being stolen?
- Certain insurance companies will often offer a discount to premiums with these types of measures. Machines fitted and registered with CESAR security marking system are four times less likely to be stolen and are six times more likely to be recovered if they are stolen.
- 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.
- Report suspicious vehicles or callers to Police by calling 999 if the vehicle or occupants are seen committing crime or phone 101 or email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk if the vehicle or people are just 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 by an experienced member of the Rural Crime Team please email the team directly at ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk.
Date Created: 02/01/2020
