Security reminder issued after gates and fences stolen in Canterbury

A reminder has been issued to landowners and farmers to take steps to secure metal gates and fencing following a theft reported near Canterbury.

Kent Police is investigating a report that between 5pm on Thursday 16 January 2025 and 9am the following morning, 11 galvanised gates were stolen from farmland in Bossingham.

Can you help?

Officers are appealing for anyone with information regarding the thefts to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/9719/25.

Take steps to stay safe

Douglas Robertson from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force said:

‘Losing metal gates and fencing to thieves can be very costly and we are urging landowners to take steps to secure as much as possible and property-mark these items. ‘When we recover suspected stolen equipment, having unique marks or serial numbers on them help officers to reunite them with their proper owners. ‘The Rural Task Force has a machine which can assist with marking gates, fencing, or any other vulnerable property and we urge people to contact Kent Police if they require assistance in farm and rural area security.’

Advice to secure your gates

1. Visibly mark gates and fencing in a number of places. This is a deterrent, reduces its value and makes it harder to sell if stolen. It will also assist police in identifying stolen property.

2. Photograph the gates and fencing showing any markings or unique features.

3. Perform due diligence checks if buying second hand gates and fencing. If you are offered property that is suspected to be stolen contact police.

4. Reverse the hinges on the gates and the padlock should be in a metal box welded to the gate.

5. Put up signage that the property is security marked and traceable if stolen.