Rural insurer Cornish Mutual is urging farmers and land owners across the South West to be vigilant following an increase in thefts of farm vehicles over the last ten days in Devon.

The company’s Field Force team in Devon, especially in the South Devon area, have been dealing with an increase in thefts of Land Rovers and ATV’s. These recent incidents have followed on from a spate of tools and machinery thefts in the area.

Graham Nicholls, Underwriting Manager for Cornish Mutual, said: “We have dealt with two Land Rover thefts in as many weeks in South Devon, and other members of the Field Force team in the county are reporting similar things. I’m also aware of a number of ATV and horsebox thefts. We are telling our Members to take extra care at the moment and make sure keys are not left in vehicles when unattended.

“We know that criminals tend to target a specific area at a time and then move on, so it’s important that we make sure that we all keep vigilant and report any unusual behaviour or vehicles.”

Cornish Mutual is recommending that vehicles are locked or securely stored away overnight. They are also recommending that Members sign up to the Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Engagement Team’s popular community messaging facility. The service alerts local people via email, text or phone on current crime issues they should be aware of.

For more crime prevention advice visit www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or www.thecrimepreventionwebsite.com