Countryside crime has been on the increase, with thousands of pounds of equipment vanishing in the Teignbridge area.

The thieves have targeted farm outbuildings and small holdings, helping themselves to chainsaws, strimmers, trailers and other equipment. Land Rover Discoveries have also been taken.

In one incident at a small holding near Whistley Hill, Ashburton, between Thursday and Friday, January 21 and 22, a trailer was removed.

Anyone who has any information about that crime is asked to telephone the police on 101 quoting the crime reference CR/005762/16.

PCSO Robbie Mangham, of Ashburton Police, appealed to farmers and others to take simple precautions to prevent the thefts.

‘Lock or immobilise vehicles and equipment when not in use. Remove keys from unattended cars, tractors and other vehicles. Avoid leaving machinery or trailers in isolated locations or fields.

‘Visibly mark your machinery and tools. This acts as a deterrent to thieves but also helps the police recover the property and capture the criminals.

‘Always keep a list of tools, together with serial numbers and any identifying marks, and keep them locked away when not in use,’ said PCSO Mangham.

To help prevent rural crime, Farm Watch schemes have been set up across Teignbridge. Similar to Neighbourhood Watch, they allow the farming community and the police to share information on crimes and suspicious behaviour.

Anyone who would like to join a Farm Watch scheme in their local area should call 101 and ask to be put in touch with their local Neighbourhood Policing Team.