Farmers in South Norfolk warned over tractor thefts

Thieves are targeting farmers and owners of large agricultural and plant machinery like tractors and quad bikes, Norfolk police said.

About 50 such crimes have been reported since the beginning of the year.

The thieves have stolen tractors, generators, quad bikes and ride and lawn mowers, mainly in Breckland and South Norfolk.

Owners were being advised to tag or track their equipment and keep an up-to-date record of machinery.

Police have begun an attempt to reduce these types of thefts called Operation Randall.

Det Supt Nick Dean said: "The numbers of high value thefts may on the face of it appear low. However the impact that these types of offences have is considerable."