POLICE in Monmouthshire are warning farm owners to be vigilant after a spate of thefts over the last week.

There have been eight reported thefts in rural and farm areas including Llanover, Llanfoist, Llanelly Hill, Raglan and Usk. Valuables such as machinery and plant, a tractor, tools and vehicle parts have been stolen.

PS Dave Seymour said: “We’re asking for farm owners to make sure they check the security they have in place on their property. If you’d like to be kept up to date with recent crimes and crime prevention advice, join Farmwatch which sends regular updates specifically about rural crimes to your email address. To join, please contact PS Dave Seymour by email David.seymour@gwent.pnn.police.uk

“We’re also asking all residents to be vigilant. Take down registration numbers of suspicious vehicles and report suspicious activity to us by calling 101, if you think a crime is taking place, call 999.”

We're offering the following advice;

Farm and outbuildings

• Restrict access to your farm land & property with locked gates

• Ensure your home, farm & outbuildings are secure. Use British Standard locks & high security closed-shackle padlocks

• Consider fitting intruder alarms, CCTV & good outside security lighting, check regularly to ensure they work

• Mark equipment & property with farm name & postcode, use a UV pen, engraving, stamping, tagging or forensic marking

• Hide valuable items from view & secure them in an outbuilding or shed

Vehicles, trailers & quad bikes

• Secure & immobilise vehicles & equipment when not in use

• Remove keys from the ignition & keep them somewhere secure

• Don’t leave quad bikes or trailers unattended in fields

• Consider storing vehicles & property in a secured building, if possible secured to the ground or wall, or inside a caged area

If you’d like specific advice for your property, please email your local officers who will be able to help. All contact details can be found on our website www.gwent.police.uk