DEVON and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team has issued advice to farmers following fuel thefts in the Crediton and High Bickington/Umberleigh areas.

Police recently received a report of the theft of 1,000 litres of fuel from a farm at Fordton near Crediton.

They also received a report of 800 litres of diesel stolen from the High Bickington/Umberleigh area between 6.30am on Monday, March 24 and 5pm on Tuesday, March 25. Farmers are asked to please be vigilant for any suspicious activity persons or vehicles present in or around your land and if you have any information please telephone 101, quoting crime reference 50250074626. The Rural Affairs Team says that simple crime prevention measures will help to reduce fuel theft.

The advice is: “Working together, land owners, rural businesses and members of the public should be vigilant, reporting any suspicious activity to the police - noting vehicle details, descriptions and an accurate location.”

How can you prevent this?

• Landowners and managers, where possible, should secure gates and block unused entrances.

• Protect fuel and batteries with locks, lighting, CCTV and fencing.

• Turn the power off to the tank at when not in use.

• Keep a record of how much fuel your using in each machine – keep a list of fuel used.

• Store machinery, tanks and batteries out of sight where possible.

• Consider the use of signage or other means to prevent cold callers to farms and businesses.