Thieves have stolen gardening equipment worth over £4,500.

A John Deere X350R 2010 lawnmower style vehicle valued at around £4750 was stolen from an address in Little Somerford.

It happened overnight on Monday, May 27.

Police are appealing for information regarding the theft or any sightings of the equipment being transported.

Rural crime officer PC Marc Jackson said: “We are making every effort as a force to try and drive down thefts of machinery like trailers, quadbikes and tractors from farms.

"Thefts of these types of items have a huge impact on victims, both financially but also psychologically, knowing someone has come onto your property and taken items away.

“We have recently launched a new ‘Police STOP ME!' sticker initiative in Wiltshire with the National Farmers Union.

"The idea is our agricultural communities can put these stickers which read 'Police stop me between 8pm and 5am' onto machinery and it will encourage the public to report these vehicles if seen at suspicious times.

"Most local residents of small rural villages will know the local farmer and his workers, so are more likely to spot potential thefts in progress.

"We are also encouraging police officers to stop check agricultural vehicles when on the roads, this will ensure they are being used lawfully and are indeed the rightful owners.

"This is about co-operation and working with the rural communities, as well as the partner agencies to disrupt those involved in rural crime.

"Prevention is key to this, so we ask that those living and working in rural environments re-assess their security arrangements and look at their working methods to reduce the opportunities for would be thieves to target their property and premises.

“These stickers are just one of a variety of crime prevention tips for rural communities, for more information please speak to your local policing team.

"I would always encourage people to report any suspicious people or vehicles to the police, with any details of descriptions or number plates wherever possible.”