POLICE hunting thieves responsible for a spate of thefts from remote Exmoor and Quantocks farms warned farmers yesterday (Thursday) to be on the lookout for a couple in a white Ford Focus car.

The man and woman were found acting suspiciously at a farm in Hawkridge last Saturday and when confronted by the farmer, they claimed to be looking for somewhere to walk their dogs and abruptly left the farm.

Later that day, police were called by a Brompton Regis farmer who said he had disturbed suspects attempting to steal two quad bikes from his property.

Police said they believe the couple in the Ford Focus could also be linked with several other thefts, including from farms at Dulverton and near Dunkery Beacon.

When contacted yesterday, the police were unable to give the Free Press further details or specify what had been stolen.

”We are asking residents in the West Somerset area to remain alert to any suspicious activity and particularly if they spot the white Ford Focus,” an Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said.

They should call 101 quoting 5219206787.

Exmoor Hill Farming Network officer Katherine Williams said there had been numerous thefts from Exmoor farms over the past six months, many involving quad bikes.

But there had also been reports that livestock, mainly sheep, were being targeted by thieves.

Most of the recent thefts from West Somerset farms have involved tools, ATVs or quadbikes and machinery.