FARMERS in Chorley are being told to be on their guard after a spate of thefts of tractors from farms in the west of the county.

Lancashire Police issued the warning after six vehicles were stolen in one month from farm properties in areas such as Hesketh Bank, Tarleton and Banks.

PC John Marriott, a Crime prevention officer for Lancashire Police, said: "This number of thefts is very unusual and we are concerned that other farmers may fall victim to these thieves if they do not take some precautions.

"We would urge farmers and farm workers to make sure all valuable equipment is secured or locked away at night and anything that cannot be put in a building should be alarmed or fitted with an immobiliser."

However, Chorley farmers did not seem too phased by the warning and said their security was very tight.

Graham Berry owns Clayton Fold Farm, Oakmere Avenue, Withnell. Graham, pictured, said: "My four tractors are back in the yard locked up every night, and we have guard dogs too." Richard Scambler, of Rawlinson Fold Farm, said: "I can see why they're stealing tractors as they are very expensive. For newer ones you're looking at £50,000 and even £17-18,000 for older and smaller machines.

"The problem with alarms though is that at the end of the day, if man can make them, man can break them."

Police believe the tractors could have been stolen to order, possibly for an overseas market.

Anyone with information about farm thefts in their area should contact the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.