Quad theft reported in Plumbridge as police urge owners to attend crime prevention event
Police in Strabane are encouraging quad owners to attend a crime prevention event this weekend after a quad was reported stolen in Plumbridge, with Sergeant Harkin urging anyone who owns a quad to come along to the event to have it security marked.
POLICE in Strabane are encouraging quad owners to attend a crime prevention event they’re holding this weekend on Saturday, November 7, eespecially in light of a report earlier this week of a quad theft in Plumbridge.
Saturday’s event, for quad-marking only, is being held in conjunction with Derry & Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership during an event organised and held by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, from 8am to 11am, at Strabane Young Farmers Club Hall on Urbalreagh Road in Victoria Bridge.
Sergeant Harkin from Strabane Neighbourhood Policing Team urges anyone who owns a quad, which isn't security marked, to come along to the event.
"On Tuesday, November 3, a green Yahama Kodiak 450 was reported stolen from a shed on Glenelly Road in Plumbridge, sometime 7.30pm on November 2 and 4pm on November 3,” explains Sergeant Harkin.
"To have taken the quad would have required a trailer, or a large van, to transport it.
“We’re appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area between these times, or knows of the machine's whereabouts to contact us.
“We'd also urge anyone who may have been travelling in this area around, or between these times, to contact us. You may have seen something unusual or captured relevant dash cam footage.
“We're also asking anyone who sees or who is offered a quad, matching the description of the machine stolen, to report it to police on 101, quoting reference number 1112 of 03/11/26, or submit a report online using the witness appeal form https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals
“You can also give information to Crimestoppers by calling their 24/7 Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website Crimestoppers-uk.org Crimestoppers is completely independent of the police and the reward is paid directly by them.
“They guarantee that everyone who contacts them stays 100% anonymous - your details will never be shared with us."
‘Valuable piece of machinery’
Sergeant Harkin continued: "Quads are a valuable piece of machinery and, for farmers, in particular, are often an essential piece of farming equipment.
“When a quad is stolen, it results in significant cost implications as well as the inconvenience of not having it to do essential work.
"Quad-marking is free of charge and, and, as a crime prevention measure, can act as a deterrent to criminals.
“It assists police to establish the legitimate owners of vehicles and takes just a few minutes to complete, so we’re encouraging anyone who owns a quad and hasn’t had it marked, to come along on Saturday.
“In the meantime, we encourage everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in your area as criminals will use any opportunity, especially now when it’s darker so much earlier.
“If you see anything you think isn't right, or looks suspicious, including vehicles, machinery or equipment being moved at odd times, note as much detail as you can and report it immediately on 101, always 999 in an emergency.”