Weather update GPS technology
GPS theft remains a hot topic
For about 4 years, thieves have been targeting the rtk-gps systems of farmers and contractors. In doing so, work is becoming more and more sophisticated. Last month, systems were stolen from 2 companies in the Northern Netherlands. Manufacturer, importer and insurer are calling on people to remain alert.
At the end of October, a GPS system was installed on an arable farm in Vierhuizen in Groningen stolen from John Deere. These systems are popular with thieves. A Frisian tractor dealer was also recently hit. In Groningen, the sheet pile wall of the shed was even broken open to gain access to the systems.
This spring a large amount was stolen in North Brabant and in September last year it was the turn of Groningen, Zeeland and Limburg. GPS theft is current everywhere. It is not a purely Dutch phenomenon. In the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, 40 systems were stolen last year and in Thuringia the number of thefts rose to 50. GPS theft also occurs in Belgium. Boerenbusiness spoke to 3 parties about theft of GPS systems:
The manufacturer: Eric Teuwsen – John Deere
Eric Tuwsen is a specialist in agricultural management systems at John Deere. "It all happens in my area of work (the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Denmark). It's really not just John Deere. We call on our dealers to communicate well with their customers about this. , store serial numbers, and keep things safe when you're not using them."
Teuwsen can imagine why John Deere is so (unintentionally) popular. In addition to brand awareness, he mentions another advantage: "Deere's philosophy is that similar components are used. A screen of your tractor fits in a combine or forage harvester. We have 1 receiver and 1 terminal that can be widely used. Fixed built-in sets are therefore less interesting."
"If a system is stolen, you must inform the dealer. They will forward the serial numbers to the manufacturer. They will be blacklisted. If an attempt is made to update the software or an SF3 activation is requested, we will see this immediately. We have had a lock for the terminal for 2 years, with which you lock the screen to the housing."
Teuwsen continues: "We do see that thieves are becoming more professional and sometimes remove a complete armrest with terminal from the tractor themselves. Theft prevention is on our agenda. We look at how unattractive it can be, but always be a good family man with you. systems."
The importer: Maarten van Kampen – Vantage Agrometius
Trimble's importer, Vantage Agrometius, also has to deal with theft. "It comes in fits and starts. Sometimes it seems as if thieves are stealing the systems on order," says marketing manager Maarten van Kampen. "Everything is neatly disassembled and that sometimes takes them a few hours. We also register all serial numbers. Please contact us immediately after the theft."
"Trimble puts them in a worldwide database, so that it can always be found. That is why it is important to keep good records. We do that partly, as do some of our dealers. During the season, sets are sometimes exchanged or dealers have a stock. Then it is not always clear which user has which system", says Van Kampen.
Prevention is not at the top of the list at Trimble because it is difficult to prevent. A physical lock slows things down somewhat. "Something is found sporadically. The manufacturer found a Dutch system in England this year," says Van Kampen. "This farmer unsuspectingly bought a second-hand system. When he tried to activate the rtk signal, the set came up in the database with stolen systems. In addition to the Netherlands, customers in Belgium were also robbed. In Belgium, Nelissen Verzekeringen from Hasselt offers affordable insurance. specifically for GPS systems."
Too often Vantage Agrometius notices that users do not handle their system with care. "For example, the screen stays in the tractor when it is in the field (during irrigation or at night)," says Van Kampen. "The only thing you can do is lock the sheds, but sheds are also broken up. We recommend dismantling everything in winter anyway and storing it properly."
The insurer: Jaap Roskam – Top Team Agricultural Insurance
Storing everything in the winter also has disadvantages, Jaap Roskam of Top Team knows. 9 rtk systems were stolen from a customer this spring. "The customer, a large contracting company, always stores these centrally. The thieves knew exactly when to strike, before the tractors were prepared for spring work. They don't just cut some wires and know exactly what they are doing."
According to Roskam, how a system is insured depends on the system and the insurer. "GPS equipment can be insured in various ways. The mounted part is an accessory, for which the same cover applies as the tool. You can make a choice for the detachable part. If this is listed as an accessory (when used on 1 machine), then The same cover applies as for tools. If it is used in several machines, it is advisable to insure the GPS separately (machine breakage cover)."
The policy usually states that the insurance covers damage caused by theft during working hours. Outside these hours, payment will only be made if the vehicle is 'properly locked'. According to Roskam, insuring 1 system (new value €16.000) costs between €240 and €160 per year. There are questions about the definition of working hours and proper closing", says Roskam. "We apply the SME conditions. Working hours are day, evening and night work, but only when this is customary for the profession or business.
"If the tractor is stolen, closing is no longer important. It is not allowed to leave equipment hanging overnight. If someone opens the door with a key, there is no cover either. It happens that the customer buys a tractor from company x and their GPS at company Y. Often the tractor is neatly registered with the intermediary, but they forget the GPS."
5 tips to prevent GPS theft:
- Do not leave systems unattended in the country, for example during irrigation.
- Always write down all serial numbers and take pictures of the screens if necessary.
- Check your insurance policy and don't forget to register new systems.
- Provide well-closed sheds and possibly video surveillance and an alarm system.
- Storing separately is good, but doesn't make it an attraction for thieves.
Niels van der Boom
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