Hitchin and north Herts farmers are being urged to remove GPS from their tractors when not in use, following a spike in thefts of the device across the region.

Although incidents of theft from tractors in our region have been a relatively low occurrence, there have been a small number of GPS units stolen this year and there is an emerging trend in other parts of the country.

Most GPS kits in use on farms today are fitted to tractors as an easily removable accessory.

Sergeant Ryan Hemmings from the Constabulary's Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) said: "With this in mind, we're urging local farmers to review their security measures, to help protect their livelihood.

"To prevent thefts, farmers should remove the kit when it's not in use and store it under lock and key.

"In an attempt to stop thieves targeting GPS kits, some manufacturers now also provide personal identification numbers (PINs) to prevent the equipment being used by others."

Further advice for Hitchin farmers includes removing GPS guidance receivers, aerials and antenna globes from tractors when not in use and keep them in a secure locked place whenever possible.

Farmers are also asked to consider fitting security tethers or brackets to stop units being removed, and to store machinery in locked buildings where possible.

Where locking machines away isn't an option, farmers are urged to fit mains or battery-operated alarms to cover around the perimeter of areas where machines are stored.

The police also suggest farmers join local 'Farm Watch' to keep in touch with rural crime trends in our area while encouraging farm staff to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.