Police in Herefordshire are asking farmers and owners of quad bikes to be on their guard after a number of thefts of the machines in recent weeks across the county.

Since Monday 22nd February 2010, some seven quad bikes have been stolen from farms and isolated outbuildings, the thieves going to some lengths to break in, cutting padlocks to barns and gates.

The thieves have stolen from rural locations in Pixley, Dormington, Preston Wynne, Cradley, Knill, Bishops Frome and Wellington Heath and on each occasion the quad bike was clearly the intended target.

Detective Chief Inspector Sean Paley, Head of Herefordshire CID, said, "These offenders have shown some determination to get at the property they want but there are still things that owners can do to prevent theft or to make the goods un-sellable. Consider the use of lighting and/or cameras in vulnerable areas, paint your postcode in large letters on all the mudguards of the vehicle or consider having the machine chipped with an electronic tag which makes it easy to identify when found."

"Police patrols are out actively looking for these offenders but we need the help of the public to act as additional eyes and ears."

"The key factor is vigilance. Please report any suspicious activity or vehicles in the rural areas when you see it. Write down the numbers of vehicles towing trailers late at night, especially if it has a quad bike on board, and contact the police immediately."