the essential
Secretary general of the Chamber of Agriculture of Haute-Garonne, Nicolas Atès, cereal and purple garlic farmer in Lasserre-Pradère, is concerned about the increase in theft of agricultural GPS from farms in the department.
Nicolas Atès, you are closely monitoring agricultural GPS thefts in Haute-Garonne. How are the thefts of this equipment evolving?
Thefts are increasing exponentially. The fact is that many farmers are now equipped with GPS. They have developed a lot on farms in recent years. Afterwards, we see that the thefts are concentrated over specific periods. One day, the thieves will go to farms in Lauragais, the following week to Comminges, and then to farms in the northwest of the department. I imagine it must work by commands. Let’s say that we need ten antennas and ten screens for the Eastern countries, the thieves come to collect them from our farms and the concealment is quickly done, since the equipment is undoubtedly pre-ordered.
Also read:
Agriculture: “They know how to do it and go quickly”, the scourge of theft of GPS equipment
What can a farmer do to protect his GPS?
It’s quite complicated to the extent that GPS devices are insurable equipment, and separately from tractors. You must take out an insurance contract specific to GPS, and it can cost several hundred euros per year. Personally I put a tag on mine, that way I know where it is. But we are reaching a point where we are obliged to hyper-secure our hangars and our work tools. While knowing that an agricultural GPS costs between €11,000 and €25,000 each.
Also read:
TESTIMONY. Theft of agricultural GPS: “The public authorities must react”, a farmer’s fed up
And with the fear of having their tools looted, Haut-Garonne farmers remain on their guard…
As general secretary of the Chamber of Agriculture, I am afraid that one day, a farmer will settle his own accounts and that it will end badly. The worst part is that thieves do it very brutally. They don’t take the time to unplug the antenna or remove the screen properly. When they get into the cabins, they tear everything out and destroy the electrical harnesses. Upon arrival, it costs thousands of euros to repair everything and insurance sometimes does not cover all the costs.
Canada
