Rural businesses and farms are being advised to check their security following a spate of thefts of power tools and farming vehicles across Staffordshire.
Thousands of pounds worth of property has been stolen in Lichfield, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, Stafford and South Staffordshire within the last few weeks.
Thieves have targeted pick-up trucks, power tools, a Daihatsu Fourtrak car and a quadbike.
Officers at Staffordshire Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage in a bid to trace the offenders.
Inspector Mark Joynson, the force’s rural crime lead, said: “Rural crime is an issue for large areas of the country and can impact on insurance premiums, food prices and damage local communities.
“Farm owners and residents can take a number of steps to protect their property, land and livestock. Equipment and tool security can be a particular issue for rural businesses and farms.
“To keep your belongings safe, lock equipment away in a secure building or part of a building when not in use and invest in a secure storage toolbox. Look to install a burglar alarm on buildings where equipment is kept and always lock vehicles when left outside. Keep the keys in your possession. Also, mark your tools and equipment and register them. You may want to consider keeping a record of all valuable items and consider fitting outside security lights.”
