Thieves Hit Rural Hampshire: Quad Bikes and Equipment Stolen

A spate of rural burglaries across Hampshire this summer has seen quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) targeted by thieves, prompting a warning from police and renewed calls for vigilance among rural residents.

Since June, multiple incidents have been reported involving the theft of quad bikes, tools, and equipment from outbuildings and farms in areas including Dummer, Fareham, Tadley, Whiteley, Broughton, and Lymington.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force is actively investigating the thefts. Officers are working with other police teams to piece together patterns in the offences, identify those involved, and collect evidence.

“These types of vehicles are sometimes stolen by offenders who then use them to commit further crime,” a police spokesperson said.

Police Issue Crime Prevention Advice

Owners of quad bikes and ATVs are being urged to take extra precautions to deter thieves. Advice includes:
• Take clear photographs of your vehicle from all angles, including serial or chassis numbers and any distinguishing features.
• Mark vehicles with your postcode and part of your property address to aid recovery.
• Register vehicles on the national database Immobilise.com.
• Keep vehicles locked away in secure buildings with CCTV and security lighting, ideally out of sight from roads.
• Use wheel clamps, ground anchors, and chains. Consider purchasing bespoke security devices approved by Secured By Design or Sold Secure.
• Fit GPS tracking devices to make it easier for police to locate stolen vehicles.
• Always remove keys when not in use and store them safely out of sight.

Call for Information

Hampshire Police are asking residents to report any suspicious activity—especially sightings of quad bikes being driven in convoy, at night, or in unusual circumstances.

“If a crime is in progress or you witness suspicious behaviour, please call 999 immediately,” the spokesperson added. “For non-urgent reports, you can contact us via 101 or through our website.”

Reports can also be made anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Members of the DISC information-sharing platform are also encouraged to report relevant information. Businesses with a connection to the rural or wildlife sectors can apply to join DISC by emailing discreports@hampshire.police.uk.