Off-road Atlas LogoOff-road Atlas Logo
  • Behind The Wheel
  • How-To
  • News
  • Stories

Unlikely UTV-Theft Deterrents That Work

By Breanna Broad | Behind The Wheel on November 15, 2021
4M READ
Share
0

Buying an ATV or UTV is a big financial commitment and takes countless hours of your time from installing upgrades to cleaning it. Wouldn’t you sleep better knowing you’ve done everything to keep it safe?

You can secure your machine with all the alarms and locks you want, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Use these cost-effective ways to keep it safe.

UTV Anti-Theft
Safeguard your side-by-side from the start to prevent it from getting stolen. You’ve spent money and time to customize it, so you don’t want to start from scratch.
Photo by SuperATV

How to Prevent ATV Theft

It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to secure your machine when there’s plenty of creative methods out there. We’re here to let you know about the anti-theft deterrents that don’t use a lock and key.

Drain Your Tires

Drain your tires every time you leave your ATV or UTV, and then refill them when you want to ride. With no air in the tires, thieves won’t be able to take it away.

Leave the Gas Tank Empty

This is similar to draining your tires each night but easier. Siphon out any gas left over from your weekend of fun. Someone could still roll your machine way, but that would take more effort. The more difficult you make it, the more likely they are to give up.

Take the Fuse Out

You can take the fuse out of the starter whenever you’re done riding and then plug it back in when you’re ready. This way, no one can start the engine and quickly make their escape. They’ll wonder if something is wrong with the machine and give up.

Digital Keys

Buying a digital key takes your ATV and UTV security up a notch, and they are compatible with most machines. The digital key eliminates the ignition key switch and uses a fob that’s set to the specific machine.

Keep It Out of Sight

Use a quality lock to keep your ATV or UTV hidden inside a garage. Also, keep the lock out of sight, since a big, impressive lock can make someone curious. If you don’t have a garage, you can use a cover to keep your machine from prying eyes. However, don’t use one with your machine name or logos on it—keep it plain-Jane.

Get a Full Insurance Policy

Homeowner’s insurance protects your machine while it’s on your property (theft, lightning, fire, etc.), but every policy is different. When you take it on the trails, you need insurance to cover any theft.

Look into getting a special policy that covers theft because many insurance companies offer this.

Don’t Tell Everyone You Have It

We know you’re excited to get riding on the trails and want to talk about your side-by-side. But don’t brag about it to everyone on the street. The person you’re talking to or someone listening in could want to take it for themselves.

Other Awesome Ways to Keep It Safe

  • Get an easily recognizable color
  • Keep your machine close to your house
  • Get security cameras
  • Block your machine with a larger vehicle
  • Take your keys out of the ignition every time
  • Be careful about potential buyers wanting a test ride

Don’t Forget About Your Trailer

You’ve secured your off-road machine, but have you thought about your trailer? It’s a desirable target for some people to steal, especially if your side-by-sides are on it. Here are 7 ways to secure your trailer from theft.

If Your UTV Gets Stolen, Report it to the Police

Always report your stolen machine to the police. It will make for a smoother process when retrieving it, but you’ll need to have certain information handy for the police.

First, locate the VIN number and write it down or take a picture of it—it’s traceable. If a thief tries to sell your machine or it’s found abandoned, the police can verify that it’s yours. Second, keep proof of purchase and ownership.

UTV Anti Theft
There’s been an uptick of people stealing farmers’ UTVs and coming back to steal the replacement. Once they’re familiar with the farm’s layout, it’s easy for them to take. This group of people knows that these machines are invaluable for hardworking farmers, so the farmers keep replacing them.
Photo by SuperATV

The Bottom Line Is to Keep It Safe

Nothing can prevent theft 100% of the time, but you can use a UTV-theft deterrent to make it harder. People are not slowing down their UTV-stealing efforts.

In 2019, there were $4.2 million (£3.1 million) in claims just for farmer-related ATV thefts in the UK alone. Something had to be done, so the National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance launched a plan with Honda and Yamaha to install free tracking devices into replacement machines.

It’s better to protect your ride by implementing these tips or by using UTV anti-theft devices rather than waking up to see your dirt toy gone. It’ll save you frustration, time, and money down the road.

RELATED CONTENT: machine protection22 safety25
Share
0

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Related

  • A First-Time Buyer's Guide to UTV Financing

    Behind The Wheel | 5 MIN READ
  • The UTV Lights Breakdown—Cube vs. Bar vs. Whip

    Behind The Wheel | 7 MIN READ
  • How to Install a Flip Windshield on a CFMOTO ZForce 950

    How-To | 4 MIN READ
  • The Top 11 UTV and ATV Trails in North Carolina

    Behind The Wheel | 4 MIN READ
  • The Top 12 UTV and ATV Trails in Florida

    Behind The Wheel | 4 MIN READ
  • The Best ATV/UTV Anti-Theft Devices for When You Step Away

    Behind The Wheel | 7 MIN READ
  • Honda Rancher Specs: All You Need to Know

    Behind The Wheel | 7 MIN READ
  • How to Install a Heavy-Duty Radiator on a Polaris RZR Trail S 1000

    How-To | 5 MIN READ
  • How to Install Billet Tie Rods on a Polaris RZR PRO XP

    How-To | 5 MIN READ
Copyright © 2021 SuperATV. All rights reserved.
SHOP NOW