New scheme to deter North Yorkshire farm equipment thieves

Sgt David Lund, of North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force, says criminals would now know stolen equipment could be coated in the new marking system

A new scheme to mark farm equipment is to be launched in North Yorkshire following a recent spike in thefts.

The project, which will see farmers given DNA-infused marking kits, comes after trailer thefts soared to 104 in the year to February 2024 - up from 63 in the previous 12 months.

Up to five kits would be available for each farm, a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.

Sgt David Lund said the kits would make stolen gear "too hot to handle".

Distributed by North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force, the SelectaDNA marking solution would last at least five years outdoors, a force spokesperson said.

When analysed, it revealed a unique code that "irrefutably" linked property with its rightful owner.

As well as kits being shared directly by officers, farmers could obtain them via Rural Watch schemes and drop-in sessions.

The first session is due to take place at Ripon Farm Services at Dallamires Lane, Ripon, between 10:00 BST and 14:00 BST on Monday 13 May.

Sgt Lund, from North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force, said criminals would now know stolen equipment could be coated in the new marking system.

"That means it will effectively be 'too hot to handle'," he said.

"Anyone trying to sell it or move it elsewhere runs a high risk of being caught - and the unique marking will help us build a strong case against them in court."