Thousands of pounds worth of farming machinery have been stolen from farmers across the South West, prompting coordinated action by law enforcement agencies. Six individuals have been arrested in connection with a widespread rural crime operation spanning Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, and Gwent.
The arrests, which took place on Thursday, December 18, involved three suspects aged 28, 35, and 37 arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal, along with three others aged 28 and 31 arrested for theft-related offenses. The operation was a cross-border effort involving Avon and Somerset Police and Gwent Police.
Somerset Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Rose Green emphasized the severe impact of these crimes on rural communities: “We have seen hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of plant, vehicles, and machinery stolen across our force areas, devastating our rural communities. These arrests mark a significant step forward after many months of distress for those affected, particularly farmers whose livelihoods have been hit both emotionally and financially.”
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Inspector Green also highlighted ongoing community engagement efforts: “We have been proactive in holding meetings with the rural community and will continue to do so. These arrests should reassure residents that we take rural crime seriously and will aggressively pursue organized groups exploiting others' misfortune.”
Detective Inspector Richard Grierson, who led the investigation, praised the collaborative nature of the operation: “This has been a long-running investigation involving multiple police forces and partner organizations. Over 50 officers from Avon and Somerset, Dorset, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), and Gwent participated in the coordinated action. Our enquiries continue.”
This concerted law enforcement response underscores the ongoing commitment to tackling rural crime and safeguarding farming communities from theft and organized criminal activity.