Quad thefts

There were three reports of quad thefts in the Hawick and Jedburgh areas on 14th January 2026.

Marchcleugh, Jedburgh - theft of Honda Quad at some point over the past 2 weeks 

Nether Tofts, Hawick  - theft of Suzuki quad and Honda dirt bike overnight on 13th January 

Orminston Farm, Hawick - theft of Honda quad overnight on 13th January 

Please be aware of thefts in the area and follow this advice where possible - 

1 Restrict Access: Consider the access to farmyards and buildings - if gates or entrances are no longer used, then seal them off. Restrict access routes to the premises where possible – if not, ensure they have good natural surveillance from any farmhouses i.e. where you have a good view from an occupied room.

2 Keep Out of Sight: Try to keep the vehicles out of sight from nearby roads, as thieves will often survey properties looking for vehicles.

3 Close Gates: Keep gates to yards closed, as open gates can be an open invitation to thieves. Lock barns or outbuildings doors at night using a heavy-duty SBD approved hasp and staple with security padlock.

4 Use Clamps & Locks: When leaving vehicles overnight, consider a bespoke Quad/ATV drive on security device which clamps around the wheel and is secured to a concrete floor. Other solutions include using a combination of SBD security approved locks and chains with ground anchors or wheel locks with a high attack rating.

5 Fit Immobilisation and Tracking Systems :The use of tracking systems can notify the owner the vehicle is being interfered with or moved, allowing for a prompt response to either prevent the theft or detain offenders. SBD have several members who specialise in this area and can advise on the best system and fitting of the product for your vehicle. Remember these vehicles are often exported overseas by gangs so being able to track its location is vital.

6 Lighting : Lighting is a good deterrent on a farm, especially in the long winter nights and around the barns where your quad/ATV are stored. Consider outside security lights controlled by an automatic time-switch or infra-red beams that react to heat or movement.

7 Fogging Devices : These systems fill a protected area with an impenetrable cloud of fog which reduces visibility and can fill the barn or outbuildings within seconds of a detection; it is difficult to steal what you cannot see.

8 Keep records : Keep a record of serial numbers, chassis and model numbers and take note of any custom marks on the vehicle. Take colour photographs from several angles and additionally take videos with a smartphone if possible.

9 Mark your Property : Security marking your quad/ATV using an SBD recognised forensic asset marking or etching kit is a highly effective deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft. Remember to use the visible warning labels to show that the property is marked. Trying to remove one of these forensic markers is very difficult and in many cases the police only need a trace amount to establish ownership and gain a conviction. The CESAR System is the National security marking system of the Construction Equipment Association and Agricultural Engineers Association with the aim of reducing plant and farm theft.

10 Remove Keys!: Never leave your keys in the ignition, even if you only briefly leave your quad/ATV unattended, and don’t be an easy target for opportunity theft.

More information can be found at Secured by Design - Quad Bikes & All-Terrain Vehicle Security

Thanks