A rash of quad bike thefts across rural Chester has provoked a police crackdown.
Over £20,000 worth of farm equipment, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), has recently been pilfered from Guilden Sutton, Malpas and Ashton.
Police believe the culprits to be travelling thieves, who are directing their efforts against local farmers. At the head of the investigation is Inspector Phil Hodgson, who believes that there is a fervent market for such equipment.
He commented: “There are a number of offenders in prison at the moment from Northwich for conspiracy to steal this type of equipment, but even with these types of criminals behind bars, this kind of activity continues.”
All terrain vehicles are especially popular with those with rural professions, and this has helped to drive the thriving market for second hand quad bikes in Lancashire, Cheshire and other surrounding areas.
As part of the clampdown on such thefts, Cheshire Police has initiated Operation Maldives, which sees them collaborating with police in North Wales and West Mercia. This special exercise involves border patrols in the small hours in an effort to apprehend thieves.
Inspector Hodgson is pleased with the results so far, but acknowledges that they are fighting a tough battle. He commented:
“These have yielded some good results however this is a steady market and we don’t necessarily get a high return.
“A lot of goods end up in southern Ireland, North Wales, Ellesmere Port and West Mercia and are hard to track down.”
Anybody with information on the thefts is urged to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, as all calls are anonymous.
Police have said that those looking to buy used quad bikes should ensure they use a reputable quad bike dealer.