POLICE are urging people in the Cotswolds to report suspicious behaviour following multiple reports of break-ins and thefts. 

Numerous reports about the theft of quad bikes, tools and machinery were made to the police on Tuesday (April 25).

Incidents in Lechlade and Stow-on-the-Wold saw offenders steal quad bikes from farms after forcing access to outbuildings.

One incident in Toddington saw offenders force entry to a van and steal approximately £15,000 worth of joinery tools.

Another incident near Kemble saw offenders break into a farm container and steal high-end gardening equipment worth thousands of pounds.

A series of incidents also took place last week and involved the thefts of an electric bicycle, quad bike and trailer.

Officers will be taking part in extra patrols and police are asking people to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour.

They are asking witnesses who see offenders to dial 999. 

Sergeant George Howe from the Cotswolds Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We understand how much of an impact rural crimes can have on victims livelihoods when items like tools and machinery are stolen.

"Often victims lose out on a lot of money due to needing to replace the stolen items or are unable to work completely which is not acceptable.

“We are determined to identify the offenders and I would like to remind residents of the importance of submitting information they have, no matter how big or small, as it could be the one thing we need to catch those responsible and stop anyone else from being targeted.

“Recently we have worked in conjunction with the Constabulary’s crime prevention team to run a number of SmartWater security marking events across the Cotswolds to try and help us link criminals we come across to the various burglaries we investigate.”

The police have collated the following advice to help deter rural thieves and prevent property from being stolen: 

•    Lock equipment away in a secure building when not in use
•    Invest in a secure storage toolbox
•    Install burglar alarm on buildings where equipment is kept
•    Always lock vehicles when left outside and keep the keys in your possession
•    Keep expensive items and vehicles out of sight when not in use
•    Consider using hitch locks, wheel clamps or ground anchors
•    Mark your tools and equipment and register them
•    Keep a record of all valuable items
•    Consider the installation of outdoor security lights and CCTV cameras