THIEVES stole a horse trailer from a farm in Upton St Leonards after cutting through its wheel clamps.

Police are now urging those living in rural areas to take precautions to secure their equipment.

The horse trailer was one of several items, collectively worth £8,000, stolen from the farm last week.

Other machinery including a rotavator and a cement mixer were taken from the property.

In an alert, Neighbourhood Watch Officer Bob Lloyd said: "Please be to be vigilant against thefts of items such as plant machinery, trailers and vehicles.

"It is wise to lock or immobilise vehicles and equipment when you’re not using them as well as removing keys from cars, tractors and any other vehicles you leave unattended.

"Effective and easy to fit devices are now available to immobilise Quad-bikes and similar vehicles.

"Also consider taking photographs on your smartphone or camera of the identification plates, serial numbers and any marks, bumps or scratches that make the item unique to you.

"Keep the photographs somewhere safe and also keep a record of the locations of any other property marking products you have used on the item."