RURAL engagement officers have returned more than £80,000 of stolen construction machinery to its owners after locating it on a Nazeing industrial estate.
Officers from Essex Police Rural Engagement Team acted on intelligence received and visited the estate on the morning of Tuesday, March 5.
PC Joe McCarthy said: “The machinery was stolen from several businesses in Kent around a year ago.
“The owner of the unit where we located the machinery is not a suspect as he only took over the business recently.
“Happily, we have already been able to trace most of the owners and arrange to return their machinery.”
PC McCarthy described the theft of agricultural and construction equipment as extremely expensive and disruptive to businesses.
He said: “Machinery is costly to replace and the business can be harmed by delays.
“There may also be additional costs to repair damage caused by thieves.
“So, I would urge anyone who knows anything about the theft of agricultural or construction equipment or, indeed, any crime or criminal activity to report it to us so we can target our operational activity.
“And please, if you own such equipment, consider forensic marking, to make it harder to sell and easier to return.”
Essex Police’s investigation is continuing.
For more information about the work of the Essex Police Rural Engagement Team and specialist crime prevention advice, visit www.essex.police.uk/ruralcrime
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