A red Ford Ranger van with a cage on the back has been reported visiting farms as far afield as Launceston and Castledore near Fowey in suspicious circumstances.

On both occasions two men said they were looking for scrap metal and batteries. They said they were from Salisbury/Southampton.

This vehicle is known to police in connection with thefts from rural locations. They could reappear anywhere in Devon and Cornwall.

Police are urging farmers to review their security.

A spokesperson said: ’We quite often find that thefts from farms come within a few weeks of visits like this; they were casing the place and may come back for anything that they have seen.

’Thieves have moved out to rural areas where cctv and security has not yet been implemented. We are now seeing more and more farms implementing cctv for this reason, which gives them the ability to monitor stock, giving a double benefit.

’The first thing to do, if you have not done so already, may be to put up signs wherever you can stating that cctv is in operation. You may also want to get some £2 dummy cameras and put some around while you consider any other work you want to do.

’Also, park all your small vehicles and removable items inside with something big across the doors. Consider hydraulic locks for your tractors.

’Do all the things that you can do to make it harder for the criminal; lock gates and leave security lights on.’