European organisation, CEETTAR, is creating a register of GPS device thefts from contractor-owned machines.
The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors of Ireland has received a request from the group to assist with this.
FCI said the Dutch Contractors Association, CUMELA, became aware of the problem in 2018. There were “several” GPS equipment thefts in a single evening.
CUMELA estimated that the cost to Dutch contractors to be north of €1.6 million.
According to FCI, in recent months, approximately 30 additional screens have been reported as stolen near Holland.
GPS device thefts
In a statement, a spokesperson said:
“Have many FCI members had GPS systems or control boxes stolen from machines in Ireland during the past two years?”
“John Deere is meeting with CEETTAR virtually next week to discuss the issue. It is now a major problem in Belgium, Denmark, Germany & Holland, by organised gangs.”
“If you have had a device stolen, please private message to FCI with details or email us on [email protected].”
“This will allow us to create a register of devices stolen for use by international law enforcement agencies, working in co-operation with leading farm machinery companies to eliminate this activity.”
“FCI will be joining in a second online meeting with CEETTAR and farm machinery companies, next week to get a further update on the issue and work on solutions.”
Event
FCI Contractor Day 2021 will occur at Gurteen Agricultural College, Ballingarry, Co Tipperary, on Friday, December 3rd, 2021.
The event carries facing new contracting challenges as its theme this year.
The one-day event for Irish farm & forestry contractors incorporates a seminar followed by a machinery exhibition with more than 25 industry-specific stand-holders present.
Organisers have planned the FBD-supported FCI Contractor Day 2021 to suit a time in the calendar of farm contractors.
FCI maintains a database of Farm & Forestry Contractors across the island of Ireland, all of whom with their machinery operators, will be invited to participate in the event.
