Rural crime in Sussex - more than £75,000 of items stolen in a week

Farmers and landowners across Sussex are being advised to ensure outbuildings are secure as they are the number one place targeted by thieves.
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The reason is that these places often contain chainsaws, strimmers, hedge cutters and leaf blowers.

Sussex Police say that in the past week items worth £75,150 have been stolen - these include:

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6 chainsaws, 4 motorcycles, 3 batteries, 1 impact driver, 5 electric drills, 2 socket guns, 6 circular saw blades, 1 woodchipper, 1 pressure washer, 1 pump, 6 strimmers, 1 lorry, 3 diggers, 1 auger, 1 caravan, 2 generators, 10 tool boxes with tools in, 2 post knockers, 1 chainsaw jacket, 1 pair of chainsaw trousers, 2 hand rotovators, 4 lawn mowers, 1 radio, 1 set motorcycle ramps, 1 set car ramps, 2 trailers, angling equipment, 1 washing machine, 1 microwave and 3 washing lines.

Sussex Police. Pic Steve Robards SR1817801 SUS-180108-084512001Sussex Police. Pic Steve Robards SR1817801 SUS-180108-084512001
Sussex Police. Pic Steve Robards SR1817801 SUS-180108-084512001

Police said: “Please ensure that you keep a record of the serial and model numbers of your equipment and record them on a database such as immobilise.com as without them it is unlikely that you will get your equipment back.”

Equipment and tool security advice

Equipment and tool security can be a particular issue for rural businesses and farms.

To keep your belongings safe:

- lock equipment away in a secure building or part of a building when not in use

- invest in a secure storage toolbox

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- install a burglar alarm on buildings where equipment is kept

- always lock vehicles when left outside and keep the keys in your possession

- keep expensive items and vehicles out of sight when not in use

- consider using hitch locks, wheel clamps or ground anchors

- mark your tools and equipment and register them for free with immobilise.com

- keep a record of all valuable items

- consider fitting outside security lights