Police have issued advice after a spate of quad bike thefts in Ryedale.

As reported by the Gazette & Herald last month (March), theft claims figures from rural insurer NFU Mutual show a 26 per cent annual increase in the UK cost of quad theft bringing the total value to £2.8m in 2022.

The North Yorkshire region saw a notable rise in quad bike thefts last year (2022), and the continued increase in thefts this year has prompted a warning to farmers to ramp up their security.

Quad thefts at busy lambing time can create additional challenges for many smaller family farms, on top of caring for their sheep when they are at their most vulnerable.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We understand that these vehicles are important pieces of equipment for farmers and businesses and that having to return them to outbuildings every night and lock them up to keep them secure is an inconvenience – it’s much easier to leave the kit where you’ll need it tomorrow.

“But sadly, at the moment, the chances are if you leave it unsecure, it’s an easy target for a thief and you won’t have it at all.”

The spokesperson advised quad bike owners to remove keys to vehicles and store the four wheelers away when they are not being used.

They also advised owners to keep quads out of sight and use devices such as steering locks, ball hitch or frame locks and wheel clamps that are bolted to the ground.

GPS tracking devices and immobilisers are also advised, not only as a deterrent but also to increase the chance of police recovering the stolen vehicle and identifying who to return it to.

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Vehicles should be parked as close to premises as possible, ideally in a locked outbuilding with CCTV and security lighting, out of sight from nearby roads.

Further advice is to mark or customise your quad, so it is easily identifiable - and keep a record, including photographs and serial numbers.

If a crime is in progress and an emergency response is required, dial 999.

Non-emergency reports can be made via North Yorkshire Police’s website or on 101.

“Suspected quad bike thieves can expect an immediate police response,” the spokesperson said.

“Let’s keep those thieves at bay.”

Bob Henderson from the Agricultural Engineering Team at NFU Mutual previously said: “The thefts leave farmers with extra work when their sheep and new-born lambs need constant attention, and bad weather means quads are often the only way to get to them in remote hilly areas.

“The supply chain problems which are driving up prices are also making it difficult for farmers to source replacement machines when their quads are stolen.”

NFU Mutual and the National Rural Crime Unit have produced theft prevention videos on quad and farm vehicle security which are available at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCGdB27NXuooScjLAfZCaVjesU8sd06u8