Farmers warned over thefts spate

Thieves are targeting farms in the Neath and Swansea Valleys, police have warned.

Officers say there has been spate of thefts of agricultural machinery including quad bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles.

Some of the incidents are believed to be connected and farmers are being warned to be on their guard.

Two men aged 28 and 30 are on police bail after being arrested in connection with a stolen Land Rover.

Neighbourhood policing Inspector Jeff Handley said there were more than 150 farms in the Neath and Pontardawe area.

"We are urging those in our rural communities to be vigilant and to take precautions to prevent becoming a victim of crime," he said.

"We do not believe the thefts which have occurred are isolated incidents and we are working to identify suspects and carry out arrests of those responsible.

"We are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry and I would encourage anyone with information about the thefts to contact the police.

"The neighbourhood policing team will be contacting members of the agricultural community to raise awareness of these issues and to obtain any relevant information."

Last Thursday police conducted an operation in the Dulais Valley resulting in a stolen Land Rover, spare parts from stolen 4x4 vehicles and a large quantity of diesel being recovered.

Police said the two men arrested were on bail pending further inquiries.