Source article: RULA.BE
In 2023, 70 tractors and agricultural tractors were stolen from Belgian farmers, according to figures on the recorded number of thefts from the federal police. The previous year saw 65 registered thefts.
In 2023 there were 22 tractors and 48 agricultural tractors, and in 2022 there were 27 tractors and 38 agricultural tractors. Figures for 2024 include only the first 3 months: then 5 stolen tractors and 11 stolen tractors were reported to the police. In 2021, the fewest tractors were stolen (51).
The figures for 2023 are similar to those from 5 years ago, when a total of 77 machines were registered as stolen.
Theft plague in Limburg
Het Belang van Limburg reported on Jan. 16 that the number of reported tractor thefts in Limburg has almost quadrupled in 3 years. According to the newspaper, much has to do with the fact that many brands use the same key for all their tractor models. Whoever has a key of a particular brand can use it to open several tractors of that brand, and in some cases even machines of other brands.
Also in the Netherlands
There has also been an increase in tractor theft in the Netherlands in recent months, especially in the Flevopolder. There, tractors are being stolen mainly at night. The thieves there reportedly use sophisticated methods to bypass security systems.
Stolen tractors are often quickly transported abroad, where they are then resold on the black market.
Install track & trace and/or immobilizer
You can have a wireless GPS Track & Trace placed in your tractor by AllConnects, so it can be followed everywhere. With an immobilizer, you make it more difficult for thieves to take a tractor, for example, because then the machine cannot be started and taken away without a key. The immobilizer is a small box that you can hide away in a place where no one sees it. It interrupts the operation of the ignition switch, the fuel pump and the starter motor.
Contact our team and we'll discuss what it takes to keep your tractors safe! Call us at +32 3 289 55 35 or fill out the form below and we'll contact you as soon as possible!
Read more
Farm Life just released another extensive article on farm thefts in general, with some tips for tractors as well. You can find that article here.
