Gas Canister Theft - 24/01/26 2015-2045

Dear Resident,

We would like to make residents aware of a reported theft in the South Street Road area of Stockbury. A resident has reported that on 24 January approximately 2030 hours, one propane gas canister and one butane gas canister were taken from a polytunnel on their land.

If you noticed anything unusual on or around that date, such as unfamiliar vehicles, people in the area, or anything that didn’t seem quite right, please let us know. You can report information using reference 26‑1573.

We know many residents have fields and paddocks, or equipment stored on open land, so a few simple steps can help reduce the risk of theft:

Secure storage:

~Keep tools, fuel, and gas canisters in a locked shed or container.

~ Secure larger items with chains, padlocks, or anchor points.

Lighting and visibility:

~ Motion‑activated lighting, including solar options, can help deter intruders.

~ Wildlife cameras or small CCTV units can monitor entrances or quiet areas.

Control access:

~ Keep gates closed and locked when not in use.

~ Maintain fencing and consider barriers to prevent unauthorised vehicle access.

Property marking:

~ Mark and record serial numbers for tools and machinery - Kent Police Rural Task Force can assist local landowners with property marking their assets. Please respond to this message using the reply function for more information.

~ Consider trackers for high‑value equipment.

General awareness:

~ Keep an eye out for unfamiliar vehicles or activity near fields or access points.

~ Report anything suspicious straight away - small details can be really helpful.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us keep the community safe.