Latest updates
Please see below for the latest Farm Watch updates from around the county.
Issue date 1 February 2012
Suspicious van seen in Winchelsea
At 1000hrs on Thursday 26 January, a metallic white van was seen
in Station Road, Winchelsea.
The van is described as being 'not that old' and with no sign
writing upon it. No persons were seen in or near the van.
Police are currently investigating a robbery that occurred on 26
January at a property close by to where this vehicle was
seen.
If anyone can offer any information regarding this vehicle then
please contact the police on 121 quoting reference: 461
26/1/12
Issue date 31 January 2012
Burglaries at Stanmer Park
Stanmer Organics Earthship, Stanmer Park, was broken into overnight (night of 30/01/2012). Items stolen include a 5kw Clarke petrol generator, a computer, two digital projectors and two containers of unleaded fuel. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police, quoting serial 0251 of 31/01/2012.
Attempted burglary at Brighton Community Composting, Stanmer Park. The security gate to the compound was damaged and the shed/office was broken into. Fortunately nothing was taken. The tractor on site has been moved, possibly used to damage the gate. Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, quoting serial 0231 of 31/01/12.
Issue date 30 January 2012
House Burglary
Between 05:30 - 15:00 on Friday 27 January a property on the A272 in Piltdown was broken into. Serial 1003 27/01/2012 refers. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police.
Theft of quad bike
Some time overnight between 26/27 January a garage at a property on Buckham Hill, Isfield was broken into. A Kawasaki all terrain quad bike and 2 chain saws were stolen. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police quoting serial 0319 of 27/01/2012.
Break to 5 containers
Overnight between 24/25 January five containers at a farm in Parrock Lane, Hartfield, were broken into. Various tools, two hedge cutters and a Stihl chainsaw were taken. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 0238 of 25/01/2012.
Issue date 24 January 2012
Rother sees increase in garden fuel tank
thefts
Over the last few weeks there has been a rise in the Rother area
in the thefts of fuel from tanks situated in the gardens of
people's homes with incidents occurring in Peasmarsh last week and
now more recently in Brighting.
There is a number of ways you can help yourself to reduce the
chances of you becoming a victim, these can include;
Security lights, locks, cctv cameras and defensive planting will
all help.
Please see the Gloucestershire Constabulary website for lots
more advice on securing your fuel tank or alternatively contact
your local PCSO or Police Officer for advice.
Please also remember to report to the police on 999 (emergency) or
101 (non emergency) any suspicious persons or vehicles seen in your
area.
Issue date 21 January 2012
Theft from farm buildings
Sometime between 17-20 January two farm buildings at a property on
Eridge Lane, Rotherfield have been broken into with several items
stolen. Serial 0646, 20/01/12 refers
Break to water treatment works
A water treatment works yard in Lye Green, Crowborough was broken
into sometime overnight between
19 - 20 January, nothing appears to have been taken.
Serial 0652, 20/01/12 refers
Theft of diesel
Sometime between 19 - 20 January 6 jerry cans and a plastic
container with diesel inthem was stolen from a property on
Fordbrook Hill, Crowborough. Serial 0592, 20/01/12 refers
Attempt theft of trailer and quad bike
Overnight between 19 - 20 January an attempt was made to steel a
trailer and quad bike from a property on Groombridge Lane, Eridge
Green. The trailer is believed to have got stuck in mud and was
left in the field. Serial 0349, 20/01/12 refers
Break to water treatment works
Sometime overnight between 18 - 19 January derelict buildings at a
water treatment yard in Sandhill Lane, Eridge Green was broken into
nothing appears to have been taken. Serial 0507, 19/01/12
refers
Theft from garden
Overnight between 14 - 15 January an unlocked outbuilding at a
property on Groombridge Lane, Eridge Green was entered, a Karcher
pressure washer and chainsaw were taken Serial 0553, 15/01/12
refers
Issue date 20 January 2012
Suspicious vehicle
Your attention is drawn to a white Ford Transit short wheel base
NC57FDO. 3 males with this vehicle viewed with suspicion when they
approached a farm in Coolham at 11.54 AM today, 20/01/2012 as they
were asking for batteries and scrap. Our ref SXP-20120120-0614.
Issue date 19 January 2012
Theft of lawnmowers
Overnight between 18 January and 19 January a property was broken into on Church Lane, Horsted Keynes, and seven lawnmowers were stolen. 2x Flymows, 2x Hayter Mowers and 3x Honda Mowers. Also stolen were some chainsaw protection trousers and three wheelbarrows along with a container of fuel. This is a substantial job with a large loss and would have taken some time to undertake. If you have any knowledge about this theft or have been offered any of the above type mowers then please call 101 quoting serial 246 0f 19/01/12.
Theft of lead
A large quantity of lead, valued at £3500, was stolen from a building in Easebourne near Midhurst. Please can everybody remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Sussex Police on 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
Issue date 18 January 2012
Shed and tack room thefts
There have been several breaks to sheds and tack rooms in the Cross Colwood Lane area of Bolney. Power tools, garden equipment, a boxed CCTV system and a radio controlled petrol driven model car were stolen. If you have any information about these incidents please call 101 quoting serial 0726 of 17/01/12. Please report any suspicious behavior or vehicles to Sussex Police on our non-emergency number 101 or if a crime is in progress call 999.
Issue date 16 January 2012
Good news
Two males were arrested on Monday 9 January following an attempted theft of copper from an empty property on Lewes Road, Ridgwood.
Theft from farm
Sometime overnight between 12/13 January a secure garage and container were broken into at a property in Blackham. Tools, two chainsaws and a strimmer have been taken. A wheelbarrow was used to take items across property to a vehicle. Serial 0259 13/01/12 refers.
Attempted theft of scrap
At approx 12.50 on 12 January two males were found in a private yard on London Road, Maresfield, loading a vehicle with radiators and cable. When challenged they put the items back and left in a white "x" Peugeot van with a boarded up rear window. Serial 0642 12/01/12 refers.
Theft from property
A property on Tanyard Lane, Chelwood Gate, was broken into overnight between 11/12 January. A tool box, gas bottles and farrier equipment were taken. Serial 0181 12/01/12 refers.
Theft of heating oil
Sometime between 1 December and 10 January approx 150 gallons of heating oil were stolen from a tank at a property on Beaconsfield Road, Chelwood Gate. Serial 0966 10/01/12 refers.
Break to property
A property on Chapel Lane, Blackboys was broken into overnight between 8/9 January. Serial 0311 09/01/12 refers.
Issue date 12 January 2012
Stolen vehicles and shed breaks
In recent weeks there have been a number of vehicle thefts in Haywards Heath and surrounding villages. The majority of vehicles taken have been 4x4's and in some cases, keys had actually been left in the vehicles. Not only does this make it incredibly easy for the offenders, but the victims are likely to find that their insurance will not cover them for the theft.
We are also currently experiencing a fairly high number of shed breaks and breaks to outbuildings, particularly in rural areas. The most common items that are being stolen are high value gardening equipment and power tools. Please make every effort to secure your vehicles and outbuildings. Shed alarms can be purchased at very little cost and are easy to operate. If you require any crime prevention advice or further tips on security, please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Issue date 11 January 2012
Theft of Land Rovers
In recent days there have been two thefts of Land Rovers from addresses in the West Sussex area. This is in line with a National trend where Land Rovers (particularly older style) are targeted by theives. Please ensure that any vehicle is as secure as possible and if appropriate placed in an outbuilding or garage out of sight.
Gates stolen in Brede
Between 1700hrs on 9th January and 0800hrs on 10th January in Brede, two large wooden gates were stolen from the end of a driveway to a property. Please take the time to check gates on your entrances to your property and land and report any suspicious persons or vehicles to police. If anyone has any information regarding this theft then please contact the police on 101 quoting serial 1251 10/1/12.
Issue date 10 January 2012
Recovered stolen property
Surrey Police have recovered a number of items that they believe
were stolen from the Petworth area in late December 2011.
If you believe that this property may be yours please contact
Surrey Police quoting reference number: WV/11/6827.
Black & Red Black & Decker EPC 14 Cordless drill (no
serial no)
Green & Black BOSCH CSB corded drill
Green Bosch PSS 230 Sander
Black & yellow JCB Hammer Drill
Black & yellow pro dual RANDOM orbit Sander
White Stihl Leafblower model BG75
Stihl Black & silver hedge trimmer blade
2 x 20l metal artillery green fuel cans - one empty and one containing fuel
1 x Hayter Harrier petrol Lawnmower
Issue date 9 January 2012
Deer poaching on the Downs
Between 16.30 Saturday 7 January and 10.00 Sunday 8 January crops
have been damaged in fields around Arundel. This damage is believed
to have been caused by an off road vehicle whilst lamping with dogs
as the carcass of a fallow buck deer was found in the field with
numerous dog bites on it.
Please be aware of unauthorised vehicle on the land as well as
suspicious activity late at night.
Report all suspicions on 101 or 999 for crime in progress.
Issue date 8 January 2012
Suspicious males
At approx 17:00 on 7 January a red "R" registration estate car
pulled into a farm in Blackham and drove around the buildings, when
challenged male asked about grazing and hay.
Serial 1123, 07/01/12 refers
Attempt theft of trailer and Land Rover
At approx 14:20 on 6 January an attempt was made to steel a
trailer and Land Rover from a property on Beaconsfield Road,
Chelwood Gate, the vehicle and trailer crashed into a further
vehicle and the offenders made off in a small silver hatchback.
Serial 0810, 06/01/12 refers
Attempt theft of quad bike
A secure container at a property on Parrock Lane, Hartfield was
broken into overnight between 5/6 January, secure quad bike has
been left behind but a bag of tools have been taken. Serial 0249,
06/01/12 refers
Break to annexe
The annexe to a property in Ashurst Wood, East Grinstead was
broken into overnight between 4/5 January and a number of tools
have been taken. Serial 1270, 05/01/12 refers
Theft of hedge cutter
Sometime between 30 December and 2 January a shed has been broken
into at a property on London Road, East Hoathly. A hedge cutter has
been taken Serial 0969, 05/01/12 refers
Theft of fuel
Sometime between 29 December and 3 January a large amount of fuel
has been stolen from a tank at a property on Witherenden Road,
Mayfield Serial 0983, 04/01/12 refers
Stolen quad bike
Sometime overnight between 30/31 December a green Honda quad bike
was stolen from a locked garage on Spotted Cow Lane, Buxted. Serial
1399, 31/12/11 refers
Theft of pressure washer
Sometime overnight between 28/29 December a pressure washer was
stolen from a barn in Lye Green. Serial 0205, 29/12/11 refers
Issue date 05 January 2012
High-value burglary
A Farmwatch member reports that his farm premises situated off
A272 (between Coolham & Shipley) suffered a break-in during the
night of 2 January to secure, steel-lined, steel doored, alarmed
outbuildings.
A number of items, in total worth around £35,000, were stolen:
Kawasaki Mule, Countax 4wd tractor lawn mower, Hayter push lawn
mower, air compressor, high pressure hose, 2 x Stihl chainsaws,
Stihl Multi-tool (strimmer, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, brush,
rotovator), Ifor Williams trailer).
The thieves broke the ram on an electric gate at the end of a
quarter-mile drive, ignored less-secure buildings and used the
cover of stormy weather to muffle the sound of the highly audible
alarm. They must have been onsite for over an hour and used a lorry
or equivalent to remove the stolen machinery. A very brazen and
carefully planned operation.
Sussex Police serial 1319 of 3/1/2012 refers
Please be on the lookout.
Issue date 04 January 2012
Theft of wood from Stanmer Organics
Thirty 10 foot lengths of seasoned Ash timber were stolen from Fork and Dig It, in Stanmer Organics, Stanmer Park, over the Christmas period. The wood is unusual as all has been cut with an axe. The timber is used for youth projects. If you have any information regarding this please contact Sussex Police on 101.
Two Springer Spaniels stolen in Balcombe
Between 16:40 and 19:35 on 30/12/2011 two English Springer Spaniels were stolen from a locked kennel in Haywards Heath Road, Balcombe. Both are liver and white bitches, chipped but without collars. If you have any information that will assist us with our enquiries, please contact us quoting serial number 1328 of 30/12/2011. Be on the lookout for suspicious people / vehicles and report incidents to police as soon as possible by calling 101.