By Ken Fletcher

QUAD bike theft around the UK is on the rise and now manufacturer, Polaris, is doing its best to build in deterrent measure to its latest range of machines.

At the recent LAMMA show, it announced that all new Polaris ATVs and side-by-side vehicles will be fitted with the CESAR anti-theft system.

A spokesman for Polaris, said: "Security for ATVs and utility vehicles has become a growing concern and as Europe’s leading all-terrain vehicle manufacturer, we have taken this positive action towards protecting customers’ vehicles.

"The company has formed a new partnership with the CESAR scheme – the official security initiative of the CEA (Construction Equipment Association) and the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association) and Datatag, who are the technology partner behind CESAR.

"CESAR is already widely recognized on larger construction and agricultural equipment and, since its launch, more than 225,000 machines have been registered and are protected with the system."

The system will be fitted to all new Polaris vehicles by authorised Polaris dealers and comprises both visible and covert markings which act as a real deterrent to prospective thieves. Should a vehicle be taken, quick police access to the CESAR database provides an instant trace on stolen equipment via Datatag’s contact centre.

The system is recognized by national and local government agencies and supported by the Home Office and National Police Chiefs’ council.

Statistics show that a CESAR registered machine is four times less likely to be stolen and six times more likely to be recovered if it is taken. It is approved by all major insurers and, for example, the NFU Mutual can offer a 12.5% discount with their NFU 5X farm machinery product policy if your ATV or side-by-side is fitted with the -system.

All new Polaris vehicles will now comes with the system already fitted and there are no annual fees or charges and no recovery fees should your machine be stolen and recovered.

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A SCOTTISH dealer for Polaris has narrowly lost out on the top award as a finalist in the brand's service dealer annual awards.

Stratton ATV, of Perth, lost out to Congleton Garden Machinery, from Cheshire, in the prestigious award ceremony held recently.

Both dealers were cited for their exemplary customer service to a wide and diverse customer base, said Polaris.

Jim Clarke, country manager for Polaris, said: “We’re exceptionally pleased for the Polaris dealer network to be recognized through their contribution and for their high levels of service. It’s a true reflection of what all our dealers are striving for.”

Congleton Garden Machinery has grown substantially over the years since opening in 1989 and has full servicing, repair and spares facilities for all the machines they sell, alongside new and used machinery sales and online store. It operates out of a showroom and 14,000sq ft warehouse and was also the winner of local radio station, Cheshire’s Silk FM106.9 award for quality customer service.

Runners-up Stratton ATV were commended for their business development, understanding of multiple markets and tailoring solutions to suit.