Police recover more than £60,000 worth of stolen plant machinery and a vehicle in East Herts

Hi Resident

Officers from the East Herts Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team have recovered approximately £65,000 worth of stolen plant machinery and a stolen vehicle, while responding to a report of a digger theft.

Police were initially called to report that a digger had been stolen and taken to an area near the River Lea.

Officers from the East Herts Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team attended the location and nearby located the digger, worth around £30,000, in full working order.

Using technology available to them, the officers also discovered a John Deere Gator which was confirmed as stolen in 2024, this was seized and is now on its way back to its rightful owner.

At the same location, officers also recovered a white Nissan Navara, which was found to have been stolen from the London area.

Sergeant Dave Miller, from the East Herts Rural Neighbourhood Team said: “ What began with a call from a member of the public who was unfortunately a victim of a theft, led to the discovery of a further stolen plant machinery and a vehicle.

“This demonstrates the value of proactive policing and using all available technology available.

“Recovering stolen property and returning it to its rightful owners is always a positive outcome, and we're pleased to have been able to reunite victims with valuable equipment while preventing further loss.

“We remain committed to tackling rural crime and we are always working with our partners and communities to see how we can improve and continue bringing this service to the public.

“I want to recognise my officer who used old fashioned policing skills, which led to finding the other stolen machinery and the vehicle. I also want to thank our colleagues in Broxbourne who joined the effort in what was a real team effort.”

If you are a victim of a rural crime or need to report one to police, you can report any information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.