WHILE farmers are gearing up for the busy harvest period, criminals will also be looking to take advantage, warns Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team.

Global-positioning systems (GPS) have become one of the most targeted pieces of farm equipment because of their high value and portability.

So it is vital owners protect them and take security precautions, such as activating PIN security on GPS kits and marking their postcode on the unit’s case.

Park tractors and combine-harvesters out of sight, they say, removing GPS kit and storing it securely when it’s not being used.

The Rural Engagement Team works with the National Rural Crime Unit to combat the theft of GPS equipment nationally but, to do this effectively, they need the public’s help.

Inspector Terry Jacobs says: “We are urging farmers, agricultural workers and members of the rural community to report thefts and any suspicious activity – particularly vehicles and people in places they shouldn’t be.

“Your information may be the key piece we need to make an arrest.”

How can I help?

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around farms or farming equipment and agricultural machinery, you can report it online at www.essex.police.uk/ro. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

Provide as much information as you can – for example, a What3Words location, a description of the people involved, vehicle registration numbers, vehicle descriptions. However, it is very important that you don’t confront suspects or put yourself at risk.

Always ring 999 if it is an emergency or a crime in progress.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, online or by calling 0800 555 111.

For more information and advice on rural crime and specialist heavy machinery theft prevention, visit the Essex Police Rural Crime pages.

LINK: www.essex.police.uk/ruralcrime