An attempted break in at a secure distributor store in Norfolk has prompted a warning from the AIC for crop protection and agronomy companies to be alert to the risk of further thefts in the area and nationally.
The AIC says the well organised raid on a major distributor’s store in Norfolk last month was abandoned when an alarm was triggered. But a successful break in at a distributor store in the same county in February 2023 led to the theft of a large quantity of herbicide products.
The latest incident saw criminals target the premises just after midnight. They severed the building’s communication lines, climbed onto the roof and made a hole to gain entry to where plant protection products (PPPs) were stored. But they are believed to have abandoned their raid and fled empty-handed after an alarm system was triggered, calling staff and the police to the site.
A police investigation suggests that the gang had knowledge of the site and were experienced with breaking through the roofing, based on the precision tools left behind at the scene.
“Routinely reviewing security arrangements is always a prudent step for any agricultural business to take given the relentlessness of rural crime,” advises Hazel Doonan, the AIC’s head of crop protection and agronomy.
“”In light of this case, farmers and growers should be extremely wary if they are offered product that appears to be exceptionally cheap or does not come from a known and reputable distribution company. Inadvertently handling stolen goods has the potential to damage a business’s reputation and risks criminal proceedings.
“Any business or individual selling or supplying professional PPPs must hold the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection,” Ms Doonan stresses.
The AIC strongly urges anyone who is approached to buy PPPs from an unknown or suspicious seller to report the details to the police by calling 101, or to make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555 111.