Police are appealing for information following the report of the theft of plant machinery from a property in the Belfast Road area of Dundrum sometime over the weekend.
It was reported that sometime between 4.00 pm on Friday, October 16 and 12.00 noon on Sunday, October 18 a JCB 525-60T4 2020 (Chassis number: JCB5A41RKJ2762232) was stolen.
Enquiries are continuing and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the JCB theft anything suspicious in the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 339 of 19/10/20.
In light of this incident, police are reminding owners of plant machinery to take steps to ensure their property is secure.
Inspector Darren Hardy said: “Quads, trailers, tractors, forklifts, and other high value items of farm machinery should be kept locked away in secure garages or outbuildings when not in use.
“Items should also be marked to make them identifiable to their owner. Owners should also seriously consider using anti-theft systems such as CCTV and security tagging in addition to wheel clamps and hitch locks. It is also advisable to ensure that equipment is insured.
“Farmers should not overlook the security of their fields and livestock either, and in addition to keeping records of stock numbers and making regular checks to ensure all is in order; farmers should also record the colour and location of dye markings. Gates leading to fields should be securely locked at all times.
“In addition to such measures, an accurate and up to date register of plant and equipment, noting serial/ chassis numbers, any security markings and colour etc, can help with identifying your property if it is taken. Photographs are also a useful way of recording the scale of items.
“Don’t make life easy for criminals. Being crime prevention aware will help to protect your property.
“If you would like further advice you can contact your crime prevention officer on: 0845 600 8000.”
