Message from Kent Police Rural Task Force

Published: 03 February 2025

Please be aware that there has been a recent theft of metal farm gates in Kent. Such thefts can be prevented by taking steps to secure gates.

Padlocks - Use padlocks on all gates.

Weld plates -Weld plates to the top of the gate hinges to prevent them from being removed

Weld blobs - Weld blobs around gate joints to make them harder to lift off

Reverse hinges - Reverse the hinges and use padlocks in a metal box welded to the gate

Use security collars - Use hinge pin security collars to clamp to the pin of your gate hinge

Use locking posts - Use locking posts or temporary obstructions to control large openings

We do offer a property marking service whereby we can come out to you and mark anything of value. We have an engraver which can mark any type of surface material, so tractors, trailers, horse boxes, generators etc.

What we normally do is put your business name and post code on the property, and attach stickers to the property stating it’s been marked. We then ask you to take photos of what property is marked and where it’s marked, and then if anything gets stolen, it can easily be identified as yours and returned to you when found. This is a free service we offer and is proving very popular with the public.

With regard to overall security, can I signpost you to an excellent website, www.securedbydesign, on which you can access a wealth of information with regard to protecting your home, your machinery etc, and this site is supported and endorsed by forces nationwide.

Please email the Rural Task Force on: rural.task.force@kent.police.uk if you're interested in this service.

KInd Regards,

PCSO 56708 CORK

Rural Task Force