Poll: Have you had farm machinery stolen in past 12 months?

Farmers Weekly has noticed a recent spike in police forces across the UK reporting machinery being stolen from farms.

Over the past two months, a large number of appeals have been issued to members of the public for help to trace stolen machinery, especially quad bikes and tractors.

In December, two tractors and a JCB were stolen in a £220,000 farm raid in East Lothian. Last month, six vintage tractors worth more than £100,000 were stolen from a farm in Staffordshire and later recovered thanks to a successful appeal.

See also: 9 tips to combat theft during darker nights

Sussex Police said three Fendt tractors were stolen from a shed on a farm in Slade Lane, Petersfield, in an overnight raid between 26 and 27 January.

One of the tractors was discovered nearby and a second tractor was recovered in Southampton, Hampshire. The third tractor is still missing.

Meanwhile, farmers have been urged to remain vigilant and step up security after several thefts of quad bikes have been reported.