Trackers help recover £210k of stolen machinery

Rural crime officers said they used tracker data to recover £210,00-worth of stolen farm machinery.

Five John Deere Gators and one telehandler were reported stolen from a north Essex property on Monday.

They were recovered with only minor damage less than 12 hours later in the Maldon area, police said, and plant machinery belonging to another victim was also recovered.

PC Terry Verrall, from Essex Police's rural engagement team, said they were "using intelligence and technology to deliver results for victims".

"Strong coordination with control room staff and the owner not only led to the timely recovery of all tracked machinery, but also to the identification of further stolen plant at the recovery location belonging to a separate victim, valued at £60,000."

John Deere Gators are utility vehicles, commonly used in agriculture.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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