Plant machinery and farm vehicles worth around £200,000 have been recovered in Dover following an operation led by Kent Police’s Rural Task Force.
Working with Port of Dover Police, the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service and the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team, officers seized the goods and made three arrests over two days.
On 26 February, drivers were detained on suspicion of attempting to leave the country with stolen machinery.
A woodchipper was recovered, along with an excavator and trailer, diagnostic equipment and a tool to change vehicle identification numbers.
Two men were arrested in connection with handling stolen goods and being equipped for stealing. They have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Stolen grader and baler
The day after the initial arrests, a lorry was stopped on suspicion of towing a stolen Volvo G930 grader.
The value of the grader was estimated at around £150,000. A suspected stolen John Deere baler was also seized.
Enquiries were completed at the scene and a man was arrested in relation to handling stolen goods, along with two driving offences. He has been bailed while enquiries continue.
Commenting on the arrests, police sergeant Ross Haybourne said: “These positive outcomes show what can be achieved when police officers and specialist partners work closely together.
“Through working collaboratively, we were able to recover valuable agricultural and construction machinery, disrupt organised criminal activity and safeguard farmers, businesses and livelihoods.”
