POLICE are reminding farmers to be on their guard against quad bike thieves after 16 were reported stolen in the last three months in Northumberland.

Since April, officers have had nearly £70,000 worth of quad bikes reported stolen across rural areas including Prudhoe, Ponteland and Wark in Tynedale, as well as Alnwick and Morpeth.

Two have since been recovered after being abandoned by thieves nearby, but another was later found burnt out. Police are stepping up patrols in these areas and are speaking to farmers to remind them to take precautions to prevent further thefts.

Tynedale’s Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Oates said: “We know how much the farming community rely on their quad bikes on a daily basis to get around their land.

“Having a vital piece of equipment stolen can cause real hardship. So we’re asking the rural community to be alert, use the Farmwatch network and keep their property safe and secure.”

NFU Northumberland and North Durham adviser, Samantha Davies, said: “It is very worrying to see our rural farming communities are being targeted by criminals.

“It is reassuring to hear that the local police are taking immediate action and we share with them one very important message, please report it!”

Anyone with information about the thefts should contact police on 101.