Police are warning farmers in the Caerphilly region to be extra vigilant following burglaries in the area of farm quads. Over the last six weeks rural farms in the area were the target of theft, with more than eight utility ATVs being stolen along with tools. In total there have been fifteen thefts, ten in the region of Risca, two in the Blackwood region and three in the region of Beswas. Along with quad bikes mountain bikes, tools and oil have also been taken.
Utility ATVs are needed on farms to haul food to cattle, along with making travelling around the farm a great deal easier as quad bikes are able to tackle what is often very rough terrain. Farmers rely on the farm quads for the daily running of the farm. Gwent police is asking farmers to be more vigilant than ever and to ensure they have taken precautions for securing their vehicle. Thieves have been going around farms on the pretence of collecting scrap metal in the Risca, Blackwood and Bedwas regions.
The Farm Watch scheme was set up in the region and encourages farmers to become members and report any activity that seems to be suspicious. Security precautions are essential in remote regions and the co-ordinator of Farm Watch advises farmers to ensure they take reasonable precautions to keep their utility ATVs and tools under lock and key. Good quality locks and outdoor lighting are great deterrents. Anyone in the region who wants to become a member of Farm Watch can contact Risca Neighbourhood policing for more details.