The Police Service of NI (PSNI) has reported a significant increase in quad bike thefts, with ten incidents recorded in the Fermanagh and Tyrone region in recent weeks, bringing the total to 20 in the past year.

Despite the use of padlocked sheds and CCTV systems, one gang operating in the area has continued to evade detection.

In response, the PSNI is urging farmers to take additional precautions to protect their vehicles, by blocking access to quad storage areas using another secure vehicle.

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Farmers should also consider investing in further security equipment such as wheel clamps, floor-mounted locks, GPS tracking devices, or alarms.

This week marks Rural Crime Week NI 2025, with the PSNI and the Rural Crime Partnership launching a digital-led awareness campaign aimed at tackling crime in rural communities.

Positive trend

Despite an increase in quad bike thefts, Superintendent Johnston McDowell, PSNI’s rural crime lead, highlighted a positive overall trend: “Agricultural crime has recorded a marked decrease in the past 12 months,” he said.

A total of 183 agricultural crimes were recorded across NI over the past year—down 31 incidents from the previous 12 months.

This represents one of the lowest annual figures since records began in 2010-2011.

The annual rural crime campaign will focus on promoting practical security advice and encouraging community engagement to help sustain the downward trend.