RURAL CRIME AWARENESS - BURGLARY - Neighbourhood Alert

RURAL CRIME AWARENESS - BURGLARY

Humberside Police are investigating a report of a burglary in HARLTHORPE near too BUBWITH.

The incident occurred at around 0200 on MONDAY 11th MAY 2025. The offender(s) accessed a Yard and entered an outbuilding after being disturbed by the occupant and their dogs.

If you have any CCTV footage (including video doorbell), saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around this time or have any information about the offenders please contact the police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting occurrence ref: 26000063672.

Alternatively you could call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You don’t have to leave your name and you may even receive a reward.

You can also provide information anonymously on the Crimestoppers website

Practical steps to protect your farm

While rural crime is a serious threat, it is preventable. I understand the demands on time in farming, not forgetting the costs of security systems - but the need for strong crime prevention has never been so relevant.

Secure boundaries and access points

Keep gates locked with heavy-duty padlocks and chains.

Use locking posts or barriers to restrict vehicle access.

Maintain hedges and fences to deter entry.

Protect buildings and equipment

Fit strong locks on sheds, barns, and workshops.

Install burglar alarms and motion-sensor lighting.

Store machinery in locked buildings and remove keys when not in use.

Invest in surveillance

Install CCTV cameras with night vision and remote monitoring.

Display visible signage to deter criminals.

Consider monitored alarm systems for high-risk areas.

Laser beams for vulnerable areas

Mark and track assets

Use forensic marking kits or UV pens on tools and machinery.

Record serial numbers and keep photos for insurance.

Fit GPS trackers to tractors and ATVs; register items with CESAR or Immobilise.

Community collaboration

Join local Farm Watch schemes and share intelligence.

Report all suspicious activity promptly to the police.

Work with neighbours to create a visible deterrent network.

Report every incident

The biggest request I ask is that you report every incident, no matter how small or irrelevant you might think it is. The sighting of a vehicle on the drive, the person flying a drone nearby, a vehicle passing several times. This could be a small but vital piece of evidence we need.

The more information we have, the better able we are to deploy police resources where they will make a real difference.

Recognise

Be alert:

Is there something unusual (unfamiliar vehicles, gates open, hard cover moved)?

Be aware of criminal tactics, such as scouting farms, drone use etc.

Record

If you notice something suspicious:

Write down details like vehicle make, model, colour, and registration.

Record date, time and location (use What3Words if you have it).

Take photos or videos if safe to do so. Do not put yourself in harm’s way.

Keep a log of repeated sightings or patterns.

Report

Report to the police as soon as possible

Use official reporting channels (101 for non-emergency, 999 for emergencies, or online via the police website).

Share intelligence with your Farm Watch group.

Communication is the key

I understand the misery that criminal gangs cause to hardworking farmers, gamekeepers and landowners, often leaving them feeling intimidated by their actions.

My team are passionate about rural life, as well as the area we serve.

Week in week out we will continue to do all we can to make people who live and work in rural areas feel safe and bring the criminals who think it’s acceptable to target them to justice.

Rural crime is evolving, but together we can help reduce the impact. Communication is the key. Together we can reduce risk by recognising, recording and reporting even the smallest of things.

And remember: prevention is always cheaper than replacing stolen equipment or livestock.

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Message Sent By
Richard Fussey
(Humberside Police, Police Constable, Rural Task Force)