PSNI are investigating a link between recent heavy machinery thefts in the local area and have issued a reminder of some key safety pointers for agriculture and plant machinery.

The advice comes following recent thefts of plant machinery in the last few months throughout Fermanagh and parts of Tyrone. A link between these incidents is under investigation.

PSNI officers have stepped up their patrols of commercial and rural sites and there are also simple prevention measures that could be taken in the yard.

Fermanagh Neighbourhood Inspector Scott Fallis said: “These machines are high value and are often essential to the day-to-day operating of a farm or business. So their loss is keenly felt, both in terms of financial loss to the business and inconvenience caused.

“We are working hard to keep our areas as safe as possible and a few measures could help make your site less attractive to criminals.

“Diggers and other plant machinery and quad bikes can all be a target for thieves. There are many anti-theft devices available such as alarms, immobilisers and tracking systems to help prevent and deter this type of theft." Continuing, Inspector Fallis said: "I recommend that you store your equipment, machinery and vehicles in a secure alarmed building. Ideally secure this equipment with heavy duty chains and padlocks to other equipment or fixed points when they are not in use.

"I would also ask everyone to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to us on 101. If you see plant or machinery moving particularly in the hours of darkness in circumstances you feel are suspicious, give us a call – police are happy to check this out, rather than miss an opportunity to catch a criminal. Together we can work to make things more difficult for the thief and burglar."