Police tighten up farm security

Date published: 28 June 2011

As many as 50 farms in Tottington, Affetside, Hawkshaw, Greenmount and Summerseat have joined the scheme with the support of neighbourhood officer PC Carolyn Morley, who has provided property marking packs for each member to make property traceable and easier to identify if stolen. Warning signs have also been put up to let thieves know that Farm Watch is operating in the area.

Rural crime has been rising steadily and thieves often see remote locations as easy targets. The scheme provides each farm with advice on security and property marking and members are able to support each other with information when incidents occur.

PC Carolyn Morley, from the Ramsbottom Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It is great that so many people have signed up and are displaying the signs. We have been helping farms overtly and covertly mark items of property and farm machinery to assist tracing items if they are ever stolen.”

Gaynor Mason, Bury's Crime Reduction Adviser, said: “Any farmers or those living in more remote areas who would like advice on keeping their homes, buildings and property more secure can contact me on 0161 856 8046 or email gaynor.mason@gmp.police.uk.”

Anyone interested in joining Farm Watch should contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team or email Gaynor Mason.

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk 

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously with information about crime on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Your local Neighbourhood Policing Teams are also there to listen to your concerns and you can contact them on the following:

Ramsbottom – 0161 856 8181 or ramsbottom.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Bury West – 0161 856 8025 or burywest.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Bury East – 0161 856 8127 or buryeast.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Radcliffe – 0161 856 8291 or radcliffe.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Whitefield – 0161 856 8204 or whitefield.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Prestwich – 0161 856 4538 or prestwich.npt@gmp.police.uk