Police advice after spate of thefts in rural areas.
May 27 2011 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)
POLICE have issued advice to people living in rural areas after a spate of thefts.
Scores of raids have happened in farms and isolated houses throughout East Ayrshire.
Many of the break-ins have been in the New Cumnock, Cumnock and Muirkirk area.
As a result, PC Fiona Davidson, of the community policing department in East Ayrshire, is giving tips to help prevent thefts and deter criminals from targeting isolated premises.
Walls and fences should be properly maintained, and any signs of wear and tear or damage should be repaired quickly.
Ensure that any gates are secured with good quality padlocks at the end of the day.
Install sensor controlled dusk to dawn security lights, to alert you to unwanted visitors.
Maintain any sheds and outbuildings, and if they store valuable items, then fit an audible alarm, and use good quality padlocks to secure it.
PC Davidson added: “CCTV is also a good idea, however remember to ensure that lighting is good in the area, and that the CCTV is recorded for potential future viewing.
“Signs should be erected stating that alarms and cameras have been fitted.
“Consider fitting anti-theft hitches, wheel clamps, alarm and immobileres or a tracker system to plant and agricultural vehicles.
“It is also advisable to note serial numbers and photograph any unusual equipment.”
Valuable plant equipment can be registered at www.ter-europe.org, as they run an international database of owned and stolen equipment.
The officer continued: “In relation to fuel tanks, care should be taken to avoid placing them in isolated areas. A mobile bowser could be used instead, and removed to a secure place when not in use.
“If you are near an electricity source, then better lighting, motion sensors and an alarm would be advisable.”
Further information can be accessed at www.nfuonline.com
If you have any information on the spate of crimes in East Ayrshire, contact Cumnock police office on 01290 306600.
Classifieds Scotland
Look no further
Copyright and Trade Mark Notice © 2013 owned by or licensed to Scottish & Universal Newspapers Limited. Ayrshire Post™ is a trade mark of Scottish & Universal Newspapers Limited. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement before using this site.