People in West Norfolk are being urged to keep their outbuildings secure and be vigilant following a number of rural burglaries and incidents.
They include the theft of a Toyota Hilux from a barn on Fakenham Road in South Creake overnight on July 18, the theft of tractor keys from a stable in Hillington on July 19, and vandals who forced access to an outbuilding on Dunham Road in Necton on July 16 and drove a vehicle from it across a field flattening crops.
Officers are investigating whether these crimes are linked and are keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone who has seen any suspicious activity in these areas at the times stated above.
PC Chris Shelley, Norfolk’s Constabulary’s rural crime officer, said: “Please look-out for any suspicious behaviour and don’t disregard people or vehicles that appear unusual or out of place.
“We always look to see what forensic opportunities are available but the key to catching these criminals could be provided by a member of the public who calls us about something they have seen and believe to be suspicious. We may have received other calls about the same incident and when we look at the complete picture, we can start to piece together information to find out what’s happened, identify those responsible and try to prevent it from happening again.”
Officers are offering farmers and landowners in rural communities the following crime prevention advice:
- Try to note down the car registration number of any suspicious vehicle if it’s safe to do so and report it to police.
- If possible, remove all GPS kit from machines when not in use, especially if the machinery is left out overnight.
- Review security at outbuildings, as well as any building where equipment is serviced. Always keep outbuildings locked and secure.
- Record the serial numbers of equipment, take a photo of the serial number and keep it safe.
- Security mark all kit, possibly with a UV marker or permanent black marker, with the name of your location and postcode. Make it as visible as possible to make it unattractive to a potential thief.