NEARLY half a million pounds’ worth of machinery which was stolen has been recovered by Dorset Police, resulting in three arrests. 

Officers from Dorset Rural Crime Team, together with Hampshire Constabulary, executed warrants at two rural locations in East Dorset on Tuesday, June 14. 

Searches revealed a large quantity of plant and agricultural machinery as well as several vehicles stolen from Dorset and Essex. 

The warrant first came about after police spotted a vehicle driving at speed on the A338, where they then followed it. 

Bournemouth Echo: Police were alerted to a vehicle driving at speed on the A338 (stock image)Police were alerted to a vehicle driving at speed on the A338 (stock image)

The vehicle then made an abrupt turn, mounted the grass and disappeared.  

Investigations revealed the vehicle had in fact been stolen from London and the number plates had been cloned from a vehicle from another county. The driver of the vehicle was not the legal owner but was insured. 

A 21-year-old man from East Dorset was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft and handling stolen goods 

A 47-year-old male, also from East Dorset, was arrested on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods. 

An 82-year-old man, from East Dorset, was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They have all been released under investigation as enquiries continue.  

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The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “I know that organised crime groups target farms in order to steal expensive machinery and vehicles, and the cost to rural businesses can be financially crippling. 

“In my Police and Crime Plan there is a specific priority to tackle ‘Rural Crime’ and I am pleased to say that since becoming PCC, the Rural Crime Team has seen significant investment which has resulted in a 400 per cent rise in resourcing, that the Rural Crime Reduction Board, which has been implemented by my office, has brought together an array of public service and private partners, all of whom are now working together with a common purpose across our county and in the coming weeks. 

“There is a lot of work happening to tackle rural crime and my thanks go to all the officers and staff working on this operation - I know the rural communities of Dorset and Hampshire will be very pleased by this result.”