Agricultural and Construction Plant Theft

Agricultural and Construction Plant Theft

Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team have identified an increase in the theft of agricultural and construction plant across the two counties in recent weeks and are encouraging farmers, dealerships, and rural communities to be vigilant.

The theft of agricultural machinery and plant equipment is a considerable problem and is sometimes the result of organised crime.

Prevention is one of our greatest tools to fight theft. We can reduce the risk of theft by thinking about how we look after equipment. Please find some information below to consider, for reducing your risk and should the worst happen give you the best opportunity to reunite you with your property.

General Advice

Keep a record of serial numbers and model details, take photos of equipment especially if it has any unusual marks or features. Accurately record your vehicle and machinery VIN, engine, chassis numbers. Photograph your equipment and vehicles. Keep this property list safe.

Remove keys from vehicles when not in use and keep them safe.

If possible, keep vehicle(s)/machinery in a lockable garage/shed or building.

Take part in the ‘CESAR’ Scheme CESAR - The Construction and Agricultural Equipment Security and Registration Scheme

Fit trackers and immobilisers to tractors, ATVs, and quads

Join local social media groups to self-circulate any suspicious sightings of vehicles and people in your area.

Layer farm security from the perimeter right up to the piece of equipment you are protecting – Lock gates, lighting where suitable, cameras, drive detectors, alarms, CCTV, property marking, including DNA markers such as provided by ‘Selectamark’, Smart Water, etc….., as well as the use of signage.

Use metal engravers to mark tools, vehicles, and equipment. You can use any kind of mark on your property to make it unique. A common method is to mark with your postcode followed by the first two letters of your farm or business.

Property marking now includes Forensic Marking – For Secured by Design approved property and asset marking/registration products, go to the accredited product search on the Secured by Design website (Secured by Design - Crime Prevention & Security Advice)

Please be alert to security lights when activated, keep an eye on your CCTV and report any suspicious activity to Devon and Cornwall Police.

If something is ongoing right now, call ‘999’ immediately.

If something has already happened, ensure it is reported to ‘101’ on the phone or via the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

‘Tackling Rural Crime Together’

Thank you.

PC 17015 ORCHARD (Rural Affairs Team)

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Clarke Orchard
(Devon & Cornwall Police, Rural Affairs Team - Constable, Devon & Cornwall)