Whaplode Drove residents are helping with investigations after having their ‘lives ruined’ by a spate of thefts around the village.
Visitors have come together and formed a WhatsApp group in a bid to keep each other updated amid concerns action wasn’t being taken on thefts of agricultural equipment.
Lincolnshire Police has said though it is putting on additional patrols in the area after what it says are four thefts in the last two weeks.
Resident Danielle Mackman says she had motocross bikes stolen from her home on January 8.
On the same day a theft of diesel and tools was reported nearby.
“It seems a lot of agricultural businesses in the area have been targeted,” said Danielle. “Tractors and various bits of equipment have been taken.
“The police don’t seem to be making a great deal of a presence in the area.
“We don’t seem to get any help while everyone’s lives are being ruined.
“That’s why we’ve set up the WhatsApp group.
“It all seems to have happened in the last two weeks.”
There are more than 40 people on the WhatsApp group and Danielle says those involved have been providing regular updates to police, including details of vehicles seen on CCTV in local incidents that had been involved in other thefts in the likes of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: “We would reassure those in the area that we will be undertaking additional patrols.”
In recent days Danielle said she had seen a few police cars out in the area.
“They’re coming through during the day time while all the crimes are being committed at night.
“I understand it’s difficult and at least they’re trying to do something but it’s not
reassuring.”
