Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team have identified that rural/farm fuel thefts have taken place across the two counties since the start of the year and are encouraging farmers and farm workers to be vigilant. 

Why is this important?

On farms, fuel and batteries are one of the most likely things to be targeted

by criminals.  Unprotected tanks can be emptied in minutes using basic methods causing both financial and emotional impacts on farmers and businesses.

What do you need to do?

Reduce fuel theft with simple crime prevention measures. Working together,

land owners, rural businesses and members of the public should be vigilant

reporting any suspicious activity to the police - noting vehicle details,

descriptions and an accurate location.

How can you prevent this?

- Landowners and managers, where possible, should secure gates and

block unused entrances.

-  Protect fuel and batteries with locks, lighting, CCTV and fencing.

-  Turn the power off to the tank at when not in use.

- Keep a record of how much fuel your using in each machine – keep a list of fuel used. 

-  Store machinery, tanks and batteries out of sight where possible.

-  Consider the use of signage or other means to prevent cold callers to

farms and businesses.

Join Devon and Cornwall Police Community Alert to receive information about crime and appeals and the Police/Trading Standards Farm No Cold Caller Scheme.

https://alerts.dc.police.uk/

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

Farmers and members of the public should be vigilant in the countryside reporting any suspicious activity to the Police, noting vehicle details and descriptions. Notify the police using 999 if you suspect an offence is being committed.

If you have any information regarding rural crime such as Farm Machinery, Livestock theft, etc, report online at Home | Devon & Cornwall Police, call 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thank you, 

PC 2634 Lucy Wyatt