Theft of plant and agriculture machinery

 The theft of agriculture plant and machinery has been a prevalent issue across the UK and local rural areas have suffered some significant loss due to this.

Items of plant and machinery are hugely expensive and easy to sell for profit and often targeted by organised criminal groups.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team would advise the following crime prevention actions:

• Consider fitting tracking devices on your agriculture and plant vehicles. You can also mark them using security or forensic markings. Check with your insurance provider as some will offer discounts once a tracker is fitted.
• Consider locking vehicles and plant in secure outbuildings or containers.
• Record vehicle and machinery serial numbers and take photographs for reference. If your plant is stolen a photo will increase publicity and possibly aid the recovery of your stolen property.
• Secure your vehicle (QUAD and ATVs) using suitable locking devices and fixed ground anchors secured to the floor using the correct gauge in security chains and padlocks.
• Protect your vehicles, trailers and plant by registering them on the Immobilise Property Register.
• Consider fitting a key safe so keys to vehicles are kept in a secure place.
• Remove all GPS from your machines when not in use and store in a secure place.
• Ensure all trailers are fitted with a good standard wheel clamp and hitch lock. Consider the use of a ground anchor also.

Actions

• 27 February 2025
  

  The Frome Neighbourhood Policing Team will conduct high visibility patrols, static stops and reassurance visits to rural businesses and farms .

  Please remember that Farm Watch was set up to reduce rural crime. By using your knowledge and awareness of what is happening on and around your land, you can help to reduce crime and deter criminals. Find out more about Farm Watch.