Plant, Machinery & Equipment Theft

Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team has identified an increase in reports of plant and machinery theft across the rural Wells area. Following concerns raised by local communities and recent incidents, tackling rural theft has been set as a neighbourhood policing priority.

Our officers will be conducting increased patrols, engaging with landowners and businesses, and carrying out proactive operations aimed at deterring offenders and identifying those responsible for these crimes.

How You Can Protect Your Property

We encourage members of the public to take steps to secure their plant, machinery and equipment:

• Store machinery in secure buildings whenever possible.
• Remove keys from vehicles and machinery when not in use.
• Fit additional security measures such as immobilisers, wheel clamps, tracking devices, alarms or CCTV.
• Mark equipment with a unique identifier and keep a record of serial numbers and photographs.
• Consider forensic marking products for larger items.
• Ensure gates, locks and fencing are in good condition and regularly checked.
• Report any suspicious vehicles or individuals seen around farms, construction sites or rural businesses.

Reporting Crime

If you are a victim of plant or machinery theft, please report it by calling 101 or through the Avon and Somerset Police website: Report rural or wildlife crime | Avon and Somerset Police

If a theft is currently taking place, or there is an immediate threat to life or property, call 999.

By working together with our rural communities, we can help prevent theft, identify offenders and keep the Wells area safe.