Thieves’ workmen ruse for farm raids

Criminals targeting rural areas such as Shropshire to commit theft are posing as odd job men because they believe it is easier to win people’s trust in the countryside, a study has suggested.

By donning overalls and carrying a tool box, thieves have revealed it is easy to avoid suspicion and ‘scope out’ targets. They also admitted village fairs and walks provided a chance to blend in with crowds and a higher proportion of strangers.

Farmers and NFU officials in Shropshire today said the claims were ‘worrying’.

The study, led by criminologists, revealed the tactics used by thieves awaiting sentence for rural thefts.

These include taking advantage of the lack of CCTV in rural areas, hoodwinking tourists unfamiliar with their surroundings, identifying potential victims at busy village events and offering to do work such as pest control, maintenance or fruit picking before committing crimes.

One burglar interviewed for the study sponsored by NFU Mutual said: “If the farmer thinks we’re helping out, we’ll come back. He’ll get to trust us, while all the time we’re looking around to see what’s there.”

The research revealed the type of help volunteered by rural criminals depended on the time of year. General maintenance work was typically offered in winter, pest control in spring and crop picking during harvest.

Criminals interviewed named agricultural diesel, heating oil, tools inside garages and sheds and metal as popular targets.

Former dairy farmer Paul Wynn, a Shropshire councillor for Prees, said: “I’m aware of people asking if there’s any work and I’m always wary of people asking about scrap metal as they could be casing the joint.”

NFU regional director John Mercer, said: “Shropshire farmers should be wary of these findings, which are quite worrying.”