DEVON and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team has produced a calendar which highlights rural issues throughout the year to focus problem solving activity for police, partners and public with key messages and prevention activity.

July’s theme is agricultural plant and vehicle theft.

The team says this is important because latest figures show that the theft of agricultural plant and vehicles continues to increase, with a surge in the theft of smaller vehicles such as quad bikes, tractors and navigations systems.

Police say this has a financial and emotional impact on rural businesses and their families, impacting on animal welfare and food production.

The advice for farmers and members of the public is that they should be vigilant in the countryside, reporting any suspicious activity to the police, noting vehicle details and descriptions.

Top tips are:

• Enjoy the countryside and help protect farmers by following the Countryside Code.

• Keep a record of serial numbers, photograph equipment showing identity and unique features.

• Immobilise vehicles and machinery in a lockable building with the keys removed and secured.

• Utilise property marking and fit trackers. Remove tractor GPS systems when not in use.

• Anyone able to offer information is asked to email: [email protected] , call 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 08007 830137.

• Join Devon and Cornwall Alert and Farm Watch so that Police can tell you what is happening in your area.