POLICE are warning householders to be on their guard, following a spate of thefts in the Tavistock area involving thousands of pounds worth of equipment.
Two quad bikes were stolen from Chillaton and Sheepstor last Wednesday in the most recent incidents.
PC Alastair Fry said a red car was seen at both locations.
He said: 'We are still getting rural break-ins into sheds right across our patch, with machinery, especially lawn mowers and things like quad bikes being taken — it's prolific.'
PC Fry said police believe the thieves are 'cold calling' on houses offering to undertake work. If no-one is in, the thieves then search outbuildings and sheds for goods to steal.
PC Fry warned that machinery should be securely locked up and asked West Devon residents to report any suspicious vehicles or incidents of unsolicited 'cold-calling' in the area.
l Police are seeking information regarding an attempted break-in in the Yelverton area.
Sometime between 9pm on Wednesday, August 21 and 9am on Thursday, August 22 thieves tried unsuccessfully to enter an out-building at a property in Yeoland Down.
If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area they are asked to contact Tavistock police station.
A police spokesman said: 'If anyone sees anything unusual they should take the registration number of the vehicle and report the matter to the police. But if it is an emergency they should call 999.'