POLICE patrols have been stepped up after a warning for people to be on their guard after a spate of gate thefts in recent weeks.

Gates are  being stolen from rural properties and at risk are field, paddock gates, garden gates as well as ornamental metal/wood driveway gates.

In one instance a set of large electric wooden gates valued at £15,000 were removed. Ornate metal gates valued at £3 - 4,000 have also been stolen and one resident has been the victim of a repeat theft.

Thieves appear to strike overnight although in some cases there’s been a delay in noticing that the gates were missing

Thefts have taken place in Chiddingfold Road, Dunsfold where three field gates were stolen, a garden gate in Combe Lane, Wormley; Runwick Lane, Farnham, stable doors; Sheephatch Lane, Tilford, metal gates and Tilford  Lane, Tilford, wooden gates.

Many rural thefts are planned in advance and anybody who suspects a criminal is checking out a property in a bid to assess its security and property is asked to record any identifying features of the suspect, take photos and serial numbers of items of value and keep them as secure as possible.

Police ask property owners to be vigilant and take index numbers of any suspicious vehicles.

“Hopefully by working together in this way we can prevent these rural crimes from happening,” said Phil Snow of Surrey Police, Rural Crime, Waverley

Police are urging residents to report anything suspicious at the time on 101 or 999 if there’s an emergency.

Register your Property on IMMMOBILISE the national property register where you can record makes, models, serial numbers etc at www.immo

bilise.com

Anyone with any information should contact Surrey Police on 101 or Crimstoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.