GPS theft warning after raids on Cambridgeshire farms

Cambridgeshire Police have issued a warning to farmers ahead of harvest after thieves stole thousands of pounds-worth of GPS guidance equipment from farms along the A47 corridor.

Officers are appealing for information following a series of overnight thefts targeting farms between Thorney and Guyhirn on 11 and 12 May.

The offenders are believed to have targeted agricultural vehicles and machinery, removing specialist GPS guidance systems essential for modern precision farming.

See also: Advice on protecting farm kit and avoiding GPS thefts

PC Brady Slack, from the force’s Rural Crime Action Team, said investigators believe the incidents may be linked because of their proximity along the A47 route.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the Thorney and Guyhirn areas recently,” he said.

“This includes anyone acting suspiciously, unfamiliar vehicles, vans or cars parked near farms and fields, particularly overnight or during the early hours of this morning.

“People may also have been loading items into vehicles or loitering around agricultural machinery.

“These GPS systems are highly specialised, costly to replace and essential to modern farming operations.”

The thefts come at a critical time for arable businesses preparing for harvest operations, with many farms heavily reliant on GPS technology for drilling, spraying, cultivation and combine guidance.

Replacement costs for some systems can run into several thousands of pounds, while delays sourcing new units could disrupt field work during the busy harvest period.

Review security

Police are urging farmers and contractors to review machinery security immediately.

They are warning that organised criminal gangs are increasingly targeting high-value precision farming technology due to strong resale demand.

Cambridgeshire Police has issued the following crime prevention advice for farmers and landowners:

• Remove GPS units from tractors and machinery when not in use
• Secure machinery inside locked buildings or well-lit, gated yards
• Check CCTV systems are covering access points and capable of capturing number plates
• Mark and register equipment using forensic marking systems or property databases
• Keep an up-to-date inventory of serial numbers and photographs
• Report suspicious vehicles or activity through local Farm Watch and rural crime networks.

Officers are continuing patrols in rural areas and working closely with the farming community to identify those responsible.

Information can be reported via the Cambridgeshire Police website or by calling 101.

Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or video doorbell footage is asked to quote references 35/35067/26, 35/35055/26 and 35/35090/26 when contacting police.