Six arrests made in rural theft investigation spanning multiple counties
Thousands of pounds worth of machinery and equipment reported stolen
Six people have been arrested following a rural crime operation across several counties.
Three individuals, aged 28, 35 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal, while a 28-year-old and two 31-year-olds were apprehended on suspicion of theft.
Officials executed co-ordinated warrants under the PACE Act in both the Avon and Somerset and Gwent areas yesterday, 18th December.
These actions form part of a larger investigation into rural thefts reported in areas including Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, South Wales, and Gwent.
Response from the police
Inspector Rose Green, from Somerset Neighbourhood Policing, outlined the impact of the thefts.
“We have seen hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of plant, vehicle and machinery equipment being stolen across our force areas, which has devastated our rural communities,” Green said.
“These arrests are a significant step in the right direction following months of sorrow for our communities, especially farmers whose day-to-day lives are significantly impacted by thefts of this nature, both emotionally and financially.
“We have been proactive in attending meetings with the rural community and will continue these efforts, but I hope these recent arrests act as reassurance to those residents that we do take rural crime seriously and we will proactively target suspected organised crime groups who seek to benefit from others' misfortune.”
A collaborative effort
Senior Investigating Officer, DI Richard Grierson, highlighted the scale of the operation.
“This has been a long-running investigation where we have worked collaboratively with a number of different police forces and organisations,” Grierson said.
“In excess of 50 officers from across Avon and Somerset, Dorset, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) and Gwent were involved in the action carried out today.”
Enquiries into the thefts remain ongoing.