Growers warned after organised break-in at agchem store

Growers and distributors of plant protection products (PPPs) are being warned to be on high alert after a well-organised break-in at a secure distributor store.

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) issued the warning following an attempted raid on a major distributor’s store in Norfolk in May.

Organised criminals targeted the premises just after midnight, severing the building’s communication lines before climbing onto the roof and making a hole to gain entry to where PPPs were stored for distribution to farms.

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However, they are believed to have abandoned their raid and fled empty-handed after an alarm system was triggered, which alerted staff and police.

A police investigation suggested the gang had knowledge of the site and experience with roofing, based on precision tools left at the scene.

Hazel Doonan, the AIC’s head of crop protection and agronomy, urged farmers to review security arrangements in light of “the relentlessness of rural crime”.

Anyone who is approached to buy PPPs from an unknown or suspicious seller should report the details to police by calling 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ms Doonan said: “Farmers and growers should be extremely wary if they are offered product that appears to be exceptionally cheap or does not come from a known and reputable distribution company.

“Inadvertently handling stolen goods has the potential to damage a business’s reputation and risks criminal proceedings.

“Any business or individual selling or supplying professional PPPs must hold the Basis Certificate in Crop Protection.”