Devon and Cornwall Police are asking farmers, landowners and the public to be on alert after two incidents of arson to barns in East Cornwall. Farm machinery and straw bales were destroyed on January 30 in the Blunts area, where a dark coloured 4x4 vehicle was seen behaving suspiciously at the time of the fire, said rural crime officer Chris Collins.

A further fire occurred last Saturday at a barn in the St Dominic area, where a large quantity of farm machinery was destroyed.

’Although the two incidents are not known to be linked, the rural affairs team would advise all to ensure that the appropriate security is present, and remain vigilant for suspicious activity,’ said a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson.

Crime prevention advice can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

Anyone able to offer information regarding the above incidents are asked to email [email protected] or by calling 101 quoting crime reference number CR/015886/20.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.