🚜 Increase in Theft of Farm Vehicles & Heavy Machinery 🚜

🚜 Increase in Theft of Farm Vehicles & Heavy Machinery 🚜

Good evening Resident,

We have seen a recent increase in the theft of heavy machinery and farm vehicles across the area particularly in the areas surrounding West Kingsdown and Knatts Valley . Offenders are specifically targeting items such as tractors, trailers, telehandlers, quad bikes and other large plant equipment, often overnight and from rural or less‑visible locations.

These thefts can have a significant impact on local businesses and landowners, particularly during busy farming periods. We are actively carrying out patrols and investigating reported incidents, but prevention and early reporting are vital.

We are asking owners to consider the following crime‑prevention advice:

Secure vehicles and machinery whenever possible, using immobilisers, tracking systems, and wheel clamps

Remove keys and keep them in a secure location

Park machinery out of sight, or block access where possible

Ensure gates and outbuildings are locked

Mark machinery using forensic or visible identification systems

Review and maintain CCTV and lighting around yards and fields

Please also report:

Suspicious vehicles, particularly vans or lorries seen scouting rural areas

Unusual activity around farms, fields, or storage locations

Any theft or attempted theft immediately

You can report concerns via 999 in an emergency, 101 for non‑urgent incidents, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please make sure to share this to friends/family/neighbours and via other social media platforms where possible. If you have any questions or information, please either reply directly to this message or contact us via 101.

Kind regards,

Ashleigh

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Message Sent By
Ashleigh Wilson
(Kent Police, Police Constable, Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Beat Officer)