Advice following spate of thefts from rural properties in our area

Wiltshire Police's Rural Crime Team have received an increasing volume of reports about trailer, quad bike and high value power tool thefts over the last few weeks.

They have issued the following advice to help reduce the chance of becoming a victim of this type of crime:

• Lock gates into farmyards at night 
• Lock doors into outbuildings and farmhouses
• Fit CCTV and flood lights activated by passive infrared sensors
• Make sure alarms are working and properly maintained
• Use signage stating CCTV is present or alarm systems in place
• Don’t leave keys in farm machinery
• Keep keys in a secure cabinet after working hours
• Lock tools and other machinery securely away after use
• Consider using a steering wheel lock on vehicles
• Using a hitch-lock on a trailer is cheaper than replacing the whole trailer
• Record serial numbers and take pictures of more expensive kit – especially unusual marks caused by wear and tear. This makes it easier to ID if is stolen and recovered
• Use a security marking system
• Use trackers on valuable items
• Set a procedure/guidance for farm workers to follow should they see an unknown person or vehicle on the farm estate.
• Join a local farm watch or rural watch group to keep updated about local rural crime trends and suspicious sightings. 

Concerned residents can also sign up to the Farm Watch group on Community Messaging. 

If you have been victim of this crime, report it via https://orlo.uk/Wlxxz or call 101.