Metal & cable theft

Sussex Police

Good Afternoon Resident,

The Rural Crime Team is asking farmers, landowners, estates and rural businesses to stay vigilant for signs of metal and cable theft.

While we're not seeing a significant increase in the county, these offences can cause extensive damage to farmland, crops, gateways, utilities and rural businesses. Reporting suspicious activity early helps us identify patterns and prevent further offending.

Please be alert to:

• Suspicious vehicles (vans, 4x4s or flatbeds) repeatedly seen near fields,           substations, utility infrastructure or cable routes.

• People digging, cutting, pulling or removing cable or metal.

• Damage to crops, fences, gateways or field margins.

ONLY If it's safe to do so, please note:

• Vehicle registration, make, model and colour.

• Descriptions of those involved.

• Time, date and location (including What3Words if you're in a remote area).

• Direction of travel.

• Any CCTV, trail camera footage or photographs.

Do not approach anyone involved.

If a crime is happening now or there's an immediate risk, call 999.

For non-emergency information or to report suspicious activity, use our online reporting service or call 101.

Even if something seems minor, your information could help identify repeat locations, vehicles or wider criminal activity.