POLICE are launching a new pilot scheme offering crime prevention advice to buyers of quad bikes.

Durham Constabulary will roll out the scheme in Bishop Auckland before contacting other sellers across County Durham and Darlington.

The force is teaming up with Lloyd Ltd, an agricultural and construction machinery company at St Helen Auckland, to offer useful tips to customers.

Crime prevention officer Derek Sirett, of Durham Constabulary, said: “We have designed a leaflet to provide extra information to quad bike owners which Lloyds will distribute in their sales pack with any quads and ride-on mowers sold.

“The leaflet details information and advice on tracking devices, ground anchors, a permanent marking scheme, CCTV, lighting and other tips to help protect valuables.

“Agricultural equipment such as quads are an essential piece of kit for most farmers and are valuable assets which are expensive to replace. We hope this guidance provided at the point of sale of goods will help combat theft. We want to encourage owners to take extra steps to ensure their vehicles are safe and secure.”

Alistair Whitby, a dealer at Lloyds, said: “We are delighted to support the police in their pilot scheme which offers handy advice to customers.”