They go by many names: Utility task vehicles (UTV), all-terrain vehicles (ATV), Mules, side-by-sides (SxS), Rangers, quads and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROV). They can perform many tasks, from helping around the ranch and carrying heavy loads to crossing terrain unreachable by normal vehicle. But whatever the make, model or purpose of your UTV, these popular investments are also a target for thieves.

By following a few simple steps, you can make it harder for thieves to get their hands on your all-terrain tools and toys.

Know What You Have and Where You Have It
The most important thing to do is to make sure you’ve documented everything about your vehicle. Record the make, model, and serial number, as well as sale and maintenance records, and keep this information in a safe location. Take pictures and make notes of distinguishing marks, dents or colors that will make a stolen vehicle easy to identify.

Many UTV and UTV manufacturers offer onboard GPS tracking devices. If you’re looking into purchasing a new vehicle, ask about this as an add-on. Older vehicles can also be equipped with GPS trackers, so ask your local dealer about OEM and after-market options. Some trackers are battery operated, while others are hardwired into the vehicle. Either way, being able to track your vehicle using GPS technology is well worth the minor cost when compared to replacing a stolen vehicle.

Don’t Make It Easy To Take
UTVs and ATVs are prone to theft just by nature of being relatively mobile and quick to steal. While not much can deter a motivated thief, there are a few things you can do to make it not worth their time.

• Out of Sight: Keep your UTVs out of sight of public roads. If they don’t know you have it, they can’t steal it.
• Lock it Up: If possible, keep your UTV in a barn, shed or other enclosure and lock the doors. If this isn’t possible, use a quality chain or cable to tether it to a tree or immovable object. Make sure the chain goes through the frame of the vehicle, not just the wheel. Whatever method you use, be sure it cannot be removed easily or quickly.
• Secure It: Some thieves may not be thwarted by a bolted door, but if they can’t get the vehicle to move, they’ll be out of luck. Don’t leave keys in the vehicle or nearby. Many types of wheel and steering locks are also available for purchase that could keep your vehicles in place, even if thieves access their location and are able to start it up.
• Watch It: The extra protection of a well-placed game camera can provide both a good deterrent to would-be-thieves and valuable information if your property is stolen. And according to TSCRA Special Ranger Toney Hurley, who covers District 12 in Northeast Texas, two cameras are even better.

“Set up a dummy camera for the thieves to mess with and have a second game camera in another location to catch their activity. They’ll think they’ve already disabled your surveillance and go after ranch equipment or UTVs, unaware that they’re still being recorded,” he said. “It’s an added layer of protection, along with putting GPS trackers on your vehicles and making sure it’s all secured when you’re not around.”

Post Your Blue TSCRA Signs
One of the best deterrents to unwanted attention from thieves is to hang a blue TSCRA “Posted” sign on your gate or fence. The simple act of making everyone aware that you’re a member of TSCRA has been proven to make thieves think twice. TSCRA Special Rangers may have a reputation as the cattle cops, but they are equally effective investigating other agricultural crimes such as vehicle theft.

Even if you don’t own cattle, or only use your property for hunting or recreation, make sure you have your TSCRA signs displayed. Make thieves aware that TSCRA’s Special Rangers will be on the case, no matter what comes up missing. ❚

“Preventing UTV Theft” is from the August 2017 issue of The Cattleman magazine.