Theft in rural Hampshire

Criminals operate in rural communities. They are organised, deliberate and intimidating, and they repeat their crimes. 

Do you know who’s involved? You can tell our charity 100% anonymously. 

Valuable farming equipment is being stolen, often to meet increased overseas demand, with criminals specifically targeting quad bikes, tractor GPS technology, vehicles and large farm machinery.

Homes, not just businesses

Farms are not just businesses, they are family homes. Theft has huge financial repercussions for those who rely on machinery for their livelihood, and it also leaves rural communities feeling vulnerable and fearful for personal safety. 

We can all help stop the gangs in their tracks.

If you have information on crime in rural areas and want to remain anonymous, you can call us free on 0800 555 111 or fill in our online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

Recognise the signs

All of the following can be a sign that criminals are planning or carrying out the theft of valuable equipment:

• Unknown vehicles in rural areas at night
• Strangers scouting out farms and businesses
• Drones flying over rural properties
• Mates asking to borrow tow-trucks or flat-bed lorries – no questions asked
• Cheap quad bikes for sale on online sites
• Farm equipment being moved at night – perhaps to ports or out of the way yards

Find out more 

What you can tell us

Your information, however insignificant you may think it is, can make a difference – and when you contact us, you will remain 100% anonymous, always. Guaranteed.

If you witness a theft in action, call 999.

You can tell Crimestoppers:

• Descriptions of suspicious vehicles or people
• Time, date and location of suspicious activity – you can use the What3Words app to identify the precise location
• Information about people helping the criminals by loaning tow trucks and flat-bed lorries
• Details of stolen equipment being shipped out through ports or transported to another part of the country
• About the people who always have cheap quad bikes or other goods for sale on online sites

You can speak to one of our specially-trained Call Agents in our 24/7 Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or use our non-traceable online form here on our website. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always. We will never ask for your name, and your phone call or online report will never be traced.

The only person who will know you got in touch with us is you.

Tips to protect equipment

If you have high-value equipment, consider taking the following actions to help keep it secure:

• Create an asset log – record make, model and serial number along with a photo
• Lock machinery away when not in use – and don’t leave the leys nearby
• Use immobilisers or chain vehicles together
• Fit tracking devices to tractors, quad bikes and vehicles
• Keep GPS equipment locked away when not in use
• Secure and lock all entrances, gates and stores
• Install CCTV at entrances and in yards
• Consider motion sensor alarms
• Keep hedges and fences well maintained

 Find out more about rural crime