Police Conduct Spot Checks Looking For Stolen Property

Police officers from Wyre Forest recently carried out spot checks looking for stolen property at a local machinery sale.

The checks took place on the morning of Friday, 27 July, in Stanklyn Lane, Stone, near Kidderminster. They were conducted in response to a country wide increase in thefts of machinery, including items such as tractors, garden machinery, tools and trailers.

Although no stolen property was identified this time, one person was arrested for attempted theft of property on display at the sale.

Local Policing Officer, PC Andy Wallace said "Members of the public should keep a record of the serial number, chassis number or any other identifiable marks on their property so that in the event of a theft the stolen property can be traced and identified in the future.

"We are grateful to the auctioneers for allowing us to conduct these spot checks and further checks within the Wyre Forest area are planned for the future.

"West Mercia is a safe place to live and crime figures remain relatively low, but we can all play a part in reducing crime by keeping our property safe and secure and not making it easy for would-be thieves."

Marking valuable items with a forensic marking product is an increasingly popular deterrent that can be used against potential thieves and will also help you get your property back should they be stolen. Further information can be found on the force website under the Advice Centre section.

Anyone with information regarding stolen machinery should call police on the new non-emergency number, 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0500 555 111.

Issued: Tuesday, 31 July 2012