Security alert as quad bike thefts surge in Scotland

Quad bike thefts in Scotland have nearly doubled compared to last year, prompting NFU Mutual to issue a security warning to farmers as rural crime continues to escalate.

New data from the rural insurer, compiled in September 2025, reveals the cost of quad bike thefts in Scotland has already risen by 90% against the full figure for 2024.

With three months remaining in the year, losses now stand at almost £194,000 compared to £102,000 for all of 2024.

See also: Police call for tougher measures to combat rural crime

The worst-affected regions are the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, though organised thieves are known to travel across wide areas to target valuable vehicles.

“With three months still left this year, it’s deeply concerning to see that the cost of quad bike and all-terrain vehicle thefts across Scotland is almost double that of the whole of 2024 for Scotland,” said Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist.

“These vehicles are vital for navigating farmland and carrying out essential work, particularly in the typical terrain of Scottish farms, making each theft highly disruptive.”

Ms Binns added that physical deterrents, such as steering locks, wheel clamps, GPS trackers and immobilisers, are crucial.

“These technologies can also assist police in recovering stolen vehicles,” she said.

£2.7m nationwide cost

Across the UK, quad bike thefts cost farmers nearly £2.7m in 2024. Calls are growing for legislative action to curb the trend.

The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act, passed in Westminster in 2023, requires anti-theft technology on new machines. NFU Mutual are urging similar legislation in Scotland.

Rachael Hamilton, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, said: “These figures reinforce the need for urgent action to be taken.

“Our farmers and rural communities deserve greater protection rather than being left abandoned to try and tackle these crimes on their own.”