A man has been arrested after an estimated £50,000-worth of suspected stolen plant machinery was recovered at a site near Wimborne.
The machinery was found following a warrant carried out by Dorset police’s rural crime team and partner agencies.
Officers worked with the Environment Agency, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) on the operation on the morning of Friday, September 23, 2022.
Following enquiries at the site the machinery, believed to have been stolen from the Bedfordshire area, was recovered and a 51-year-old man was arrested in connection with handling stolen goods.
Further searches at another address also revealed further machinery worth around £15,000, which is believed to have been stolen from the Bristol area.
Police constable Kate Schofield, of Dorset police’s rural crime team, said: “This operation is another example of how we work with our partners to investigate reports of rural crime and take positive action against those believed to be involved.
“We recognise the impact this kind of activity has on our rural communities and by sharing intelligence and working with other agencies, we are better equipped to take a robust response.”
“We are continuing our enquiries into this matter and will be working to ensure that the suspected stolen machinery is returned to the rightful owners,” she said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset police through their website or by calling 101, quoting the occurrence number 55220155272.
