A stolen telehandler was recovered within hours of the crime being reported.

Following fast work by Essex Police's Rural Engagement Team the telehandler – an agricultural 'fork lift like' vehicle – was returned to its owner within hours of it being stolen.

Police received reports at around 8am on Wednesday, August 12 that a telehandler had been stolen from Leather Bottle Farm, Matching Green sometime overnight.

The vehicle was fitted with a tracking device that allowed officers to find it a few hours later at 11.30pm in a wooded area in Kelvedon Hatch.

Chris Leamon the owner took to twitter to thank both Essex Police and CanTrack Global for returning his telehandler so quickly.

He said: “Thanks to @CanTrackGlobal and @EP Rural reported at 8.00am, found at 11.30am and home by 2.30pm to feed the pigs."

PC Andy Long from the Rural Engagement Team said: “It was great we could help so quickly we know that machinery like this in invaluable to rural business owners and it can have a big impact when they are stolen.

“Having some form of tracking device fitted is a great way to help us to make sure we can get these items returned to their rightful owner quickly.

“We will continue to investigate who carried out the theft, but I would encourage anyone that this happens to please report it, we can only help if we know about it.”

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