A spate of machinery thefts from Norfolk farms and rural businesses has prompted police to warn owners of the importance of keeping note of their serial numbers.

Norfolk police said they have investigated several thefts of equipment such as telehandlers, mini diggers, generators and quad bikes in recent months.

Rural crime officer PC Chris Shelley said the demand for these items has risen significantly due to the war in Ukraine, and most are being quickly shipped out of the country.

But he said serial numbers were a vital tool in tracking down stolen equipment.

"Whilst we have recovered some items with assistance from colleagues from the national project tackling this, and from other neighbouring forces, one of the continuing frustrations when dealing with this sort of criminality is owners who do not know the individual serial numbers for some of this expensive kit," he said.

"It is essential we have those details, as soon as it is reported stolen, so we can record it on our national computer.

"If it is then stopped on the back of a lorry three counties away, it can be identified as stolen immediately."