DYFED-POWYS Police are advising mid Wales farmers and other owners of quad bikes to take extra steps to protect their property.

Since September, 11 quad bikes have been stolen from farms and private properties around the force area. Seven of these crimes have happened in south Powys and Carmarthenshire in November. As well as targeting farm buildings at night time, one vehicle was stolen in the middle of the day from the owner’s farm yard.

Sgt Matthew Howells, rural spokesperson for the force, said: “The longer nights along with the bad weather of recent weeks are ideal cover for thieves to go about their activities undetected. I do not want to cause unnecessary alarm for residents however there are some basic crime prevention measures that can be taken to safeguard property.

“Quad bikes are expensive and essential tools for farmers and their loss can have a big impact on the business both financially and operationally. I would advise owners to property mark vehicles, even fitting tracker devices, secure them within locked buildings when not in use, keep a record of serial numbers and take photographs of the vehicles.

“When leaving the vehicle, even for the shortest period of time, remove the key from the ignition switch.

“If possible secure quad bikes to ground anchor points using high security chains and padlocks.”

Dyfed-Powys Police are also seeing thefts of hand and garden tools being reported, in particular chainsaws.

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