FARMERS looking for a crime free Christmas are being advised to follow a few handy tips to make sure the festive season goes without a hitch.

Top of the list is to look after vehicles and keep them locked up.

“In our rural areas we often get crimes reported of stolen quad bikes,” said Inspector Brian Jones. “It’s important that farmers remember to take the ignition keys out of their vehicles and lock up their tractor cabs at night. Keep your outbuildings secure too, as well as tools and machinery. Use industrial locks.

“When it comes to fuel remember to lock up your fuel tank, monitor your fuel usage and hide any fuel containers.

“Keep your hedges, fences and gates in good repair. Ditches can form a natural barrier and can stop thieves getting in. Fit field gates with capping hinges and padlocks so they cannot be removed easily.

“If you happen to have livestock stolen, it's important you give police an accurate description. Ear tags help us to identify stock.

“Another useful tip is to use sensor activated flood lights to cover yards and outbuildings. They are a good deterrent. Use timer switches on lights and don’t leave the farm house insecure whilst you’re out.

“It’s also worth remembering that scrap metal continues to be in demand due to high prices and thieves will be on the look out for easy pickings. Don’t leave any scrap metal lying around and mark valuable metal, such as lead and copper.

“Finally, record details of any suspicious people or vehicles that you come across and report if to us as soon as you can on 101.

“If we work together we can make sure we give criminals a hard time this Christmas.”

For more crime prevention tips this Christmas visit www.dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or follow @DyfedPowys on twitter.