RESIDENTS across the sprawling Hambleton and Richmondshire areas have been put on the alert after a spate of quad bike thefts.

Four of the all-terrain machines have been stolen in recent weeks – and officers are that if people don’t take proper security measures they are leaving themselves open to thieves.

Chief Inspector Sarah Sanderson warned: “Quad bikes are attractive to thieves and they are being actively targeted by criminals operating in our area.”

She said it was vital that people took the security of their property seriously or they would put themselves at risk of becoming the victims of crime too.

“If you make life difficult for criminals, you are less likely to be targeted, so it is important to lock your quad bikes away securely when you are not using them, consider fitting them with a tracking device and register them on the Immobilise database.”

She added: “We are working hard to identify who is responsible for these recent thefts, and people in our rural communities can help us by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious people or vehicles as soon as possible.”

The latest quad bike theft occurred overnight between June 10 and 11 at a village on the edge of Northallerton.

Thieves stole a child’s silver 100cc Apache quad bike, valued at around £400, from an outbuilding of a property in Yafforth.

The outbuilding had been left insecure and an orange and silver Stihl strimmer, valued at £200, was also taken from a shed at the property.

PC Andy Grainge, of the local Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "If you have any information which could help to identify the thieves or have been offered either of these items since the theft, I urge you to contact the police straight away.

“Please take time to ensure that you obtain the serial numbers and photograph any items of value in your property.

“It is very difficult to trace and return stolen property without identifying marks, a serial number and photograph could be invaluable if you are a victim of crime.”

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Andy Grainge or Northallerton police.

Alternatively, information can be emailed directly to andy.grainge@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.