FARMERS and rural businesses in Hampshire are being warned to secure their machinery and vehicles from burglars.

Break-ins and thefts historically soar during the summer months as criminals target equipment at the height of the harvesting season. Police are urging owners to prevent themselves falling victim by storing their vehicles in barns and well-lit yards rather than in fields or out of sight.

They should ensure all vehicles have single keys and immobilisers and have mechanical locking systems and lockable windows.

Valuable machinery can also be blocked with other vehicles or be chained together or to floor-mounted securing points.

Owners should register vehicles with the DVLA or the CESAR property register and consider installing GPS and VHF tracking systems.

Search ‘rural theft’ on hampshire.pnn.police.uk to download an advice leaflet.