Thieves steal thousands of pounds worth of GPS tracking systems from farm vehicles in raids near Peterborough
Thieves have stolen thousands of pounds worth of high tech tracking systems from farm vehicles and machinery in a spate of raids near Peterborough.
Police say that a number of farms along the A47, between Thorney and Guyhirn, were targeted by thieves during the night of May 11 and the early hours of May 12.
The raiders made off with GPS guidance systems that they had stolen from agricultural vehicles and machinery.
Now police have issued an appeal for information and video footage following the thefts of GPS equipment from farms.
Cambridgeshire police has also vowed to ensure regular patrols of rural areas.
PC Brady Slack, from the police Rural Crime Action Team, said that officers would continue to patrol rural areas and work closely with the farming community to target offenders.
He said: “We believe these thefts could be linked because of their locations along the A47.
“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the Thorney and Guyhirn areas recently.
"This includes anyone acting suspiciously, unfamiliar vehicles, vans or cars parked near farms and fields, particularly overnight or during the early hours of this morning.
“People may also have been loading items into vehicles or loitering around agricultural machinery.
“If you have any CCTV, dashcam, video doorbell footage or information about any of this, do get in touch with us.
“These GPS systems are highly specialised, costly to replace and essential to modern farming operations.”
Anyone with information or footage should quote references 35/35067/26, 35/35055/26 and 35/35090/26 and report it through the force website.
Anyone with internet access should call 101.
How can farmers and landowners protect their property?
Police are urging farmers and agricultural businesses to take the following steps to reduce the risk of further thefts:
- Remove GPS units from tractors and machinery when not in use.
- Mark and register equipment using forensic marking systems or property databases.
- Secure vehicles and machinery inside locked buildings or well‑lit, gated yards wherever possible.
- Review CCTV coverage, ensuring cameras are positioned to capture vehicle access points and number plates.
- Use trusted neighbours and rural watch schemes to report suspicious activity quickly.
- Record serial numbers and keep an up-to-date inventory with photographs.