Canny crooks plough for cash

First it was crash for cash and now it’s tractors. It seems the international criminal underworld has discovered that a lot of money can be made out of stealing top-of-the-range tractors and other farm plant.

The pickings are certainly rich – the crime wave is estimated to cost £3m a year.

High-end tractors can fetch more than £100,000, while forklift-like telescopic handlers retail for as much as £80,000. Meanwhile the cost of removing a vehicle’s ID plates and shipping it overseas can be as little as £1,500.

The audacious gangs have even been known to steal back equipment that has been seized by the police.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.