Police in Worcestershire are actively hunting a criminal gang responsible for a spate of quad bike thefts that occurred within a concentrated 48-hour period. West Mercia Police have confirmed they received four separate reports of these off-road vehicles being stolen from rural locations across the county.
A Targeted Crime Wave
The offences took place between Wednesday, January 7, and Thursday, January 9, with two of the thefts occurring on the same night. The affected areas include the villages of Rowney Green, Mustow Green, Hagley, and Hartlebury. In each case, the offenders are believed to have taken the quad bikes from outbuildings and sheds on private property.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
Investigations into this series of burglaries are currently ongoing. The incidents have prompted local police to issue additional crime prevention advice specifically aimed at quad bike owners in rural communities.
Sarah Sceats, a Rural and Business Crime Officer for Worcestershire, stated: "We have received several reports recently of burglaries where quad bikes have been stolen. While our investigations continue, we are strongly encouraging anyone who owns one to thoroughly review their security arrangements."
Essential Security Recommendations
Officers are advising quad bike owners to implement multiple layers of security to protect their valuable assets:
- Photographic Records: Take clear photographs of your bike from multiple angles for your own records and insurance purposes, making the vehicle more easily identifiable if stolen.
- Physical Security: Always keep quad bikes locked away when not in use. Consider chaining them to a secure fixing point and using other vehicles to block access to sheds or outbuildings where they are stored overnight.
- Technological Solutions: Invest in GPS trackers or tagging systems, which can significantly aid recovery efforts. Forensic marking solutions like SmartWater provide another effective deterrent and identification method.
- Surveillance: CCTV systems, particularly those with motion sensors linked to mobile devices, offer valuable monitoring and evidence collection capabilities.
Public Safety Warning
Police have issued a crucial safety warning to the public. "If you encounter anyone attempting to steal your quad bike, please do not approach them directly," advised Officer Sceats. "Your safety is paramount. Instead, call 999 immediately and report the incident to police, providing as much detail as possible about the suspects and their vehicle."
The concentrated nature of these thefts suggests organised criminal activity targeting rural Worcestershire. Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their areas, particularly around farm buildings and rural properties where valuable equipment is stored.
