Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

The Quad Bike Immobiliser and Forensic Marking Bill - Clause 1

03 March 2023 · 12 other contributors

Opened by Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire

Crime & Law EnforcementAgriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Greg Smith raised concerns about the quad bike immobiliser and forensic marking bill - clause 1 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Bill seeks to require immobilisers on all new quad bikes and ATVs at point of sale.
  • Thefts of quad bikes increased from 52 in January 2022 to 78 in January 2023.
  • NFU Mutual reported paying out approximately 2.2 million on agricultural thefts in 2021.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire

I move that the Bill be read for the third time. This Bill seeks to require immobilisers on all new quad bikes and ATVs at point of sale, and mandates forensic marking to deter theft and aid in recovery. Thefts are not just inconveniences; they can put people out of work for days or even months with significant costs before insurance is paid. According to recent figures from the police, quad bike thefts have increased from 52 in January 2022 to 78 in January 2023, and agricultural machinery thefts rose from 29 to 131 over the same period. NFU Mutual has reported paying out approximately £2.2 million on agricultural thefts in 2021 alone, and the Countryside Alliance’s survey shows that 43% of respondents had been victims of rural crime, with 32% experiencing equipment theft. The proposed measures aim to prevent such crimes by making resale difficult.

Other contributors (12)
  • Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire

    Mr Smith argues that forensic marking and immobilisers are essential for deterring theft, aiding in recovery of stolen items, and reducing insurance premiums. He emphasises the significant impact of equipment theft on rural communities, highlighting the rising number of thefts and the financial burden it places on victims.

  • Rob Butler Con Aylesbury

    Supports the introduction of immobilisers, forensic marking, and sale recording to deter theft of ATVs. Cites the Countryside Alliance’s survey indicating 15% of farmers experienced machinery theft in one year. Emphasises the high demand for ATVs outpacing supply, making them lucrative targets for thieves. Supports extending provisions to cover tool theft as well.

  • James Wild Con North West Norfolk

    Praises the Bill's aim to reduce rural machinery theft through immobilisers and forensic marking, noting current high costs for farmers. References NFU Mutual data showing £40 million in rural crime losses annually, with £10 million attributed to vehicle thefts alone. Urges extension of provisions beyond ATVs to include GPS devices and commercial tools.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn

    Supports the Bill's introduction of immobilisers, forensic marking, and sale recording for ATVs. Acknowledges the financial and operational burden theft places on farmers, especially hill farmers in Wales. Advocates for the use of SmartWater to deter theft and aid recovery efforts.

  • Anthony Browne Con South Cambridgeshire

    Supports the Bill, highlighting rural crime's impact on farmers. Cites a survey where 38% of farmers reported being victims in the past year; cereal farmers had an even higher rate at 51%. Argues that quad bikes and ATVs are crucial for farmers' livelihoods but also make attractive theft targets due to transportability and low security features.

  • Chris Loder Con West Dorset

    Welcomes the Bill as a step in tackling rural crime, particularly theft. Declares his interest as a tenant beef farmer’s son and discusses 253 reported incidents of rural crime in West Dorset over the past year, with machinery, tools, and vehicles accounting for 43% of cases.

  • Sally-Ann Hart Con Delyn

    Supports the Bill’s measures to prevent theft through immobilisers and forensic marking. Cites research showing eight in ten builders had their tools stolen in 2019, and notes that agricultural machinery theft is a significant issue reported by farmers.

  • Jane Hunt Con Loughborough

    Supports the bill as it addresses agricultural machinery theft in rural areas. She cites a local farmer's experience of losing £2,000-worth of GPS equipment and emphasises that security measures do not prevent theft when machines are left unattended in remote locations during busy times. She also notes that tradespeople have faced similar issues with tool theft, impacting their business operations and mental health.

  • Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire

    Congratulates the bill's sponsor and highlights the impact of rural crime on farmers and tradespeople. He mentions that 38% of respondents to a survey reported rural crime as a source of stress, and notes that costs related to rural crime have increased by over 40% in recent years. Emphasises the importance of providing additional support to these communities through measures like the bill.

  • Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberavon Maesteg

    Congratulates Greg Smith on his birthday and supports the bill. Argues that theft of vehicles and tools blights rural communities and can be particularly pernicious for farmers and tradespeople. Supports expanding the bill's scope to cover tradespeople’s high-value tools in addition to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Requests more details from the Minister regarding progress on secondary legislation and enforcement challenges.

  • Chris Philp Con Croydon South

    Thanked Greg Smith for his initiative and cross-party support. Emphasised the importance of addressing theft in rural communities, particularly concerning agricultural vehicles and tradespeople’s tools. Announced intention to extend statutory instruments beyond ATVs to cover larger agricultural equipment and high-value tools used by tradespeople. Highlighted ongoing police recruitment efforts that will enable better enforcement of such laws.

  • Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire

    Smith thanked his colleagues for their support and contributions. He acknowledged the critical impact of rural crime on food production and farmers' livelihoods, emphasising the need to ensure that all tradespeople have protection against tool theft.

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