DEALERS SUFFER MULTIPLE THEFTS AT SHOW

Four ATVs belonging to dealers worth around £50,000, were stolen during the early hours of Thursday June 30th, from the Royal Norfolk Show.

Anthony Deacon from dealership MKM Agri, contacted TurfPro, telling us that of the four vehicles taken two were from MKM, one from Thurlow Nunn Standen and one from N Richardson Ltd. The machines in question were a Suzuki Kingquad 750 in camo and a Honda TRX420FM2 in red belonging to MKM Agriculture and a green Suzuki Kingquad 500 and Honda TRX520FA6 in red, from the others.

Anthony,  told us, "It’s all very suspicious as there was supposedly patrolling security with security dogs and a fenced official showground with personnel at every gate. I am still waiting for an explanation from the organisers as to how this happened. The security company will not speak to me."

TurfPro approached the managing director of the show, Mark Nicholas, for a statement on this concerning situation on Friday. He told us, "The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association is appalled that the thefts of four quad bikes took place at the Royal Norfolk Show. Despite a significant police presence and a comprehensive security plan it appears that this was an organised theft at the event.

"We are in touch with the businesses concerned and a full review of the security operation at the Show is underway to prevent this kind of theft from happening again. We understand the need to re-assure our customers that the Show is a safe place to do business.” 
 
Whether this assurance is enough to quell the fears of dealers bringing high-value kit to the show in the future, is hard to tell?

Anthony Deacon went on to explain to us, "This event has left ATV manufacturers and dealers all the UK very nervous of taking ATVs to shows. One manufacturer has had meetings at board level to discuss if their show security will be adequate enough to continue with their show schedule.

"Also as a result, we do not think we will be attending anymore two day shows."

You can read a full report on the thefts from the Norwich Evening News.

A Norfolk police spokeswoman told the loal paper, "Anyone who may have any information to assist the investigation is asked to contact Op Solve at Norfolk Police on 101, quoting crime reference number NC-30062022-147."