THIEVES are targeting GPS devices from farms across the town, police have warned.

Officers in St Helens say the hi-tech positioning equipment was stolen from farms in Rainford and Crank on Thursday, August 20 during the early hours.

They did not say which farms have been affected but added that they believe the expensive kit was taken by crooks who are accessing farm land on foot through surrounding fields.

In May, the website FarmingUK reported how farmers in England have been warned of a surge in tractor GPS thefts, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of pounds.

It is believed the thefts started in Devon and Wiltshire before spreading around the country and there have been fears criminal gangs are targeting the kit in rural areas.

Farming businesses have been advised to tighten security.

Rebecca Davidson, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, told FarmingUK the thefts are becoming "big business again" for rural thieves.

She said: "As well as stealing vital equipment, criminals are leaving a trail of damage as they smash glass to gain access and crudely cut wires."

"This crime has now spread to other parts of the country, making it a national issue."

It is reported that in a bid to reduce thieves targeting GPS kit, manufacturers now provide PIN numbers to prevent the equipment being used by others.

But to prevent thefts, farmers have been urged to remove the kit when it is not in use and store it securely.

In a statement police in St Helens said: "Farmers – the NFU have already been reporting theft of GPS units and displays from tractors and combine harvesters across the country.

"Unfortunately it is happening in our area.

"In the early hours of (Thursday) August 20 a farm in Rainford and one in Crank had such equipment stolen.

"These are high value thefts, the thieves appear to access farmyards on foot via surrounding fields.

"Please be vigilant and report."