Growers and chemical distributors are being warned to be on high alert after a well-organised break-in at a secure distributor store.
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) issued the warning after an attempted raid in Norfolk in May. The criminals targeted the premises just after midnight, severing communication lines before climbing onto the roof and making an entry hole.
The thieves left empty-handed after the alarm system was triggered but the police investigation suggests that they had knowledge of the site and experience with roofing given the tools that were left at the scene.
Hazel Doonan, AIC’s head of crop protection and agronomy, said: “Routinely reviewing security arrangements is always a prudent step for any agricultural business to take given the relentlessness of rural crime.
“In light of this case, farmers and growers should be extremely wary if they are offered product that appears to be exceptionally cheap or does not come from a known and reputable distribution company.
“Inadvertently handling stolen goods has the potential to damage a business’s reputation and risks criminal proceedings.
“Any business or individual selling or supplying professional PPPs must hold the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection.
“We strongly urge anyone who is approached to buy PPPs from an unknown or suspicious seller to report the details to the police by calling 101, or to make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers UK by calling 0800 555 111.”