John Smith, 52, of Glebe Farm, Oxcombe Road, said he is devatstated after his rare tractor - which features on the village's sign - was stolen on Saturday, at approximately 4.30am.

And in the early hours of yesterday morning, a similar incident occurred at a farm in Biscathorpe.

"It was crashed right through our gates and was long gone," said Mr Smith, talking about the weekend's incident.

"This tractor was my absolute pride and joy and I'm devastated by its theft."

The tractor is a bright blue New Holland TVT 170, bearing the registration FX54 EXH.

Mr Smith believes criminals targeted his farm specifically for this tractor, which he said was unique and cannot be replaced.

"We are perturbed that they have taken this one," he said.

"We have numerous tractors here but they only went for this one, which tells me they knew what they were after.

"It seems like every day you hear about a tractor being stolen from somewhere in the area."

The tractor has been immortalised by local artist Jill Newby, who incorporated it into her design for the village signs.

Lincolnshire Police has described tractor theft as the fastest growing crime in the area.

PC Dave Sargent, said: "This is a real emerging trend and we need farmers and the public to be vigilant to prevent more thefts and to help us catch these criminals.

"If anyone sees tractors on the road in the evenings, possibly in convoy with another vehicle, then please call the police with the registration details.

"It's doesn't matter if it hasn't been stolen, you won't be wasting our time.

"We'd rather check, and if we start getting calls like this we have a much better chance of getting out there and making an arrest.

"These types of crimes are a huge blow to farmers and the local rural economy as a whole, and we need to work together to tackle the problem."

Mr Smith has run AW Smith & Sons Ltd, a mixed farming business, for more than 30 years after being born and bred in the area.

"Some people might think it is ridiculous to get so attached to a tractor, but it was so important for the business and I drove it regularly," he added.

"I am prepared to give a reward to anybody who can offer the police any information leading to the tractor being found."

Kevin Wallis, of F Wallis & Sons, Biscathorpe House, had his John Deere 6920 tractor stolen early yesterday morning, along with a state-of-the-art navigation system, which had been recently fitted.

"There seems to be a particular problem and it is a great concern," he said.

Anyone with information should contact PC Phil Young at Spilsby Police Station on 0300 111 0300 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.