THIEVES are targeting vehicles belonging to farmers, builders and other tradesmen in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire Police warned.

There have been an increase in the number of thefts of quad bikes and ATV vehicles.

Most of these are being taken from farms and isolated rural properties. 

Thieves are also stealing power and hand tools from vans belonging to builders and tradesmen when they park where they are working, staying overnight or outside their homes.

High value vehicles and machines need to be locked up safely with ignition keys removed, police advised.

They said that would-be purchasers of tractors, quads and utility vehicles must ensure sellers have proof of ownership and those who've had vehicles stolen must be aware that thieves may return a few weeks later to try and steal a replacement machine.

Police also issued the following advice:

  • Have vehicles marked with Smart Water or fit tracking devices or immobilizers.
  • Use security lighting in yards and drives.
  • Physically secure ATVs.
  • Park all vehicles and equipment in enclosed locked storage when not in use.
  • If you have a garage, use it. If you have to park your van outside try to park with the rear doors close to a building, garage door, wall or hedge.
  • Consider using additional locks specific to vans.
  • Consider adding an additional alarm to the vehicle.
  • Leave your vehicle empty and place a sign in the window stating that tools have been removed. Or install secure storage containers in the van.
  • Security mark your tools to deter criminals. Either engrave or mark the tools with a permanent marker or paint, with your post code and house number or name. Also use an ultraviolet pen or a covert product such as Smartwater or Selecta DNA to mark the tools.
  • Take photos of and register your tools on Immobilise the national property register at www.immobilise.com. This will help trace them back to you if they are recovered. 

Members of the public should report any suspicious activity, including being offered tools for sale in suspicious circumstances, to the police on 101, or if a crime is in progress dial 999.

Alternatively, report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.