KNUTSFORD'S farming community joined forces with police officers in the town to crack down on rural crime by taking part in a farm machinery security-marking day.

In total machinery worth £1million, ranging from tractors, quad bikes, telehandlers and combine harvesters were secured using a multi-level forensic marking system.

Each machine was fitted with a non-removable sticker, a traceable transponder, hidden microchips and 1,000 identifiable dots of 'DNA water' solution, which is detectable under ultraviolet light.

The event was held on Wednesday, August 12 at Mere Parish Club and was the first of its kind to be held in Knutsford, which already has a thriving Rural Watch scheme.

It was organised by Knutsford Rural Beat Officer PC Mike Dawber, who negotiated a group discount with security firm Datatag for interested farmers.

Datatag are the custodians of the CESAR security marking scheme for plant and agricultural machinery, which is both Home Office and NPCC (National Police Chiefs Council) approved.

PC Mike Dawber said: "We have worked hard in Knutsford over the last few years to prevent the theft of plant and agricultural equipment, however other areas in the country have seen these types of offences.

"The CESAR markings make the equipment very 'identifiable' in that one of the identifying dots or transponders will identify the specific piece of machinery.

"This means it is less attractive to would-be thieves. This initiative forms part of the Cheshire Constabulary’s 100 days of action in relation to Rural Crime."

The day was supported by insurer NFU Mutual who provided 'laser glass etching' to the windows of each piece of machinery free of charge as a visual deterrent.

Liz Lawrence, agent at the Knutsford office of NFU Mutual based on King Street, said: “It is vital that initiatives such as installing the CESAR registration and etching on agricultural vehicles takes place and they are having a real impact across the country and making life increasingly difficult for rural criminals.

"Criminals will always move to take advantage of weaknesses and rural communities should remain vigilant and put security at the forefront of their minds. My thanks go to PC Mike Dawber who organised this and I know the farmers who attended are supportive of initiatives such as this.”

To find out more about Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to 100 days of action in relation to Rural Crime, visit cheshire.police.uk or alternatively on social media on Twitter @cheshirepolice #100daysRC.