Farm quad bike thefts prompt security warning
© FLPA/John Eveson/Shutterstock Police are warning farmers to stay vigilant following a recent spate of quad bike thefts across the country.
North Wales Police rural crime team said four quad bikes have been stolen in the Flintshire area in the past few days.
See also: Video: Quad bike theft – how to avoid being a victim
A force spokesman said: “We have had four farm quad bike burglaries overnight in Northop, Kelserton, Kinnerton and Saltney Ferry.
“Thieves have used equipment such as crowbars they have found on the farm to force doors. Please review your security in Flintshire and report any suspicious activity on 101.”
Farmer John Wrench, who owns Beeches Farm, near Hawarden Aviation Park, said his green Yamaha Grizzly quad bike and tools were stolen between 5pm on Sunday (23 June) and 8am Monday (24 June). The quad bike had a white bucket on the rack.
Dyfed-Powys Police has also reported a recent increase in quad bikes being taken from farms.
A red Honda quad bike was stolen from a farm in Ystrad Meurig, Ceredigion, on 5 June. In May, two quad bikes were stolen from farms in Talybont on Usk and Llanhamlacch. Both were recovered by police before the owners realised they were missing.
8065 – A red Honda Quad bike 350 has been stolen overnight from a farm in the Pontneathvaughan/Ystradfellte area. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101. pic.twitter.com/GZAlTAGuer
— Ystradgynlais Police (@DPPYstrad) June 19, 2019
In England, police have reported quad bikes being stolen from farms or recovered this month in Cheshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk and Cumbria.
Reports overnight that a Quad bike has been stolen from a farm on Whitchurch Road in Burleydam. A workshop was broken into and the bike was taken. If you have any information please call 101 quoting IML 432922.#ruralpolicing pic.twitter.com/Mzq9ynmj3M
— Audlem & Wybunbury Police (@AudlemWybunPol) June 20, 2019
@NorthantsPolice have, this afternoon, recovered stolen trailers & quad bikes following a warrant at Dun Roamin Park near #Brackley – identification assistance from @NaVCIS_UK @NorthantsChief #RuralCrime pic.twitter.com/MLRc4TzbZ4
— SouthNorthantsNptSgt (@BrackleyNptSgt) June 20, 2019
We have just assisted @NorPolRural and @hutch472 with the recovery of several stolen trailers and quad bikes. I'm sure the owners will be pleased! #teamwork pic.twitter.com/vZ43mBspiM
— Force Proactive Team (@NptonProactive) June 20, 2019
Top tips to prevent a quad bike from being stolen
Immobilise Make sure you secure or immobilise your quads when not in use. Remember to remove keys when leaving them unattended.
Location Try to avoid leaving quads unattended in fields, especially near roads. If you have to leave them, try to park behind other machinery or equipment and out of sight.
Security When you’re finished for the day, lock quads away in your most secure outbuilding or garage. If this isn’t possible, ensure it is behind a locked gate to make things more difficult for thieves.
Track and trace Keep a record of any chassis or serial numbers. If the worst happens, the more information you can provide, the better the chance of recovery. Consider using security marking kits to mark your property, and think about fitting a tracker or immobiliser.
Register online Websites such as www.immobilise.com and www.ter-europe.org are useful international online databases to record serial numbers for a wide range of vehicles and property.
For further information or advice, contact police 101 and ask to speak with a member of the rural crime team. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the police.
Source: Dyfed-Powys Police