GPS theft from farming machinery in Stoford area

Tuesday, 21 July 2026 05:00

Wiltshire Police are investigating the theft of machinery, including GPS trackers from tractors and a combine harvester, in the south of the county.

The incident happened between 4 am and 6 am on July 19 in the Stoford area.

Offenders entered a farm building and stole various machinery, including computer systems, and caused damage to various vehicles.

Police patrols will be increased in the area to help deter further incidents, and officers are urging members of the community to report any suspicious activity.

PC Trudie Dawson said: “Operation Walrus is a nationwide police initiative coordinated by the National Rural Crime Unit designed to tackle organised criminal gangs targeting expensive agricultural GPS kits, displays and receivers from tractors and combine harvesters. We are urging those in our rural communities to ensure GPS systems are removed from tractors and secured where possible.

"If you see of any of these items being advertised online, for cheaper than expected or approached about purchasing such items please also make us aware.

“Further guidance includes:

Activate PIN security on GPS kit with your own unique number
Mark your GPS – either by marking your postcode on it or by using a forensic property marking kit to make the item identifiable to you
Store tractors with GPS fitted securely
Record serial numbers and photograph your kit to increase chances of reuniting you with it in the event it is stolen
Lock all gates at night to deter opportunists
Report any sightings of suspicious activity around farmland to police
Use Forensic Marking Kits to help identify your devices
Remove GPS devices from the top of Tractors after use.

“Our enquiries in relation to this incident are ongoing, and we’d continue to urge the farming community to report suspicious activity immediately.”

If you saw anything relating to this incident or have any information contact 71488@wiltshire.police.uk , 0702@wiltshire.police.uk and quote crime reference number 54260087032.