Property Marking Scheme Linked to Reduction in Farm Thefts

A decrease in equipment thefts has been observed by farms and rural businesses following the implementation of a property marking initiative. Subsequent to a series of occurrences in Ongar during the previous year, Essex Police obtained financial support for 37 DNA forensic property marking kits along with accompanying signage. According to the force, only three rural equipment thefts occurred within a year, a significant reduction from the 18 reported over a two-year period prior to the scheme’s commencement in September 2023. PC Warren Shepherd, affiliated with the Loughton Community Policing Team, commented that the financial impact of these thefts constituted a “heavy burden” for the individuals and entities impacted. He elaborated, stating: “While the number of crimes reported seems small, the cost of those thefts in replacing equipment and repairing damage can run into tens of thousands of pounds, which is a heavy burden for a farmer or a rural business to bear.” Upon the recovery of agricultural machinery, alongside vehicles and tools, officers possess the capability to ascertain whether these items have been marked. This process facilitates the confirmation of whether items are stolen, thereby paving the way for potential charges and prosecutions. The financial support was obtained by PC Shepherd through the Epping Forest Community Safety Partnership, in collaboration with Epping Forest District Council. Additional Essex Police units, such as its Rural Engagement Team, have also successfully acquired funding to procure more of these property marking kits. Recipients incur no expense for these kits.