Police investigating after farming machinery including GPS trackers stolen in Stoford area
Officers are asking farmers to remove GPS systems from tractors were possible
Police have launched an investigation after farming machinery was stolen in the Stoford area.
Wiltshire Police say the incident is reported to have happened between 4am and 6am on July 19 and offenders entered a farm building and stole various machinery including computer systems.
The force added that damage was also caused to several vehicles.
There will be extra police patrols in the area to help further incidents and officers are urging the community to report any suspicious activity.
PC Dawson said: “Operation Walrus is a nationwide police initiative coordinated by the National Rural Crime Unit designed to tackle organised criminal gangs targeting expensive agricultural GPS kits, displays and receivers from tractors and combine harvesters.
"We are urging those in our rural communities to ensure GPS systems are removed from tractors and secured where possible.
"If you see of any of these items being advertised online, for cheaper than expected or approached about purchasing such items please also make us aware.
“Further guidance includes:
Activate PIN security on GPS kit with your own unique number
Mark your GPS – either by marking your postcode on it or by using a forensic property marking kit to make the item identifiable to you
Store tractors with GPS fitted securely
Record serial numbers and photograph your kit to increase chances of reuniting you with it in the event it is stolen
Lock all gates at night to deter opportunists
Report any sightings of suspicious activity around farmland to police
Use Forensic Marking Kits to help identify your devices
Remove GPS devices from the top of Tractors after use.
“Our enquiries in relation to this incident are ongoing and we’d continue to urge the farming community to report suspicious activity immediately.”