Thousands of pounds worth of farming machinery has been stolen from agricultural communities throughout the South West, prompting a significant police response. Six individuals have been arrested amid a wide-ranging rural crime operation spanning Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, and Gwent.
The operation, conducted on Thursday, December 18, was a coordinated effort between Avon and Somerset and Gwent Police forces. Those arrested include three people aged 28, 35, and 37 suspected of conspiracy to steal, alongside three others aged 28 and 31 arrested on suspicion of theft.
Somerset Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Rose Green highlighted the devastating impact of these thefts on rural communities. “Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of plant, vehicle, and machinery equipment have been stolen across our areas, causing severe emotional and financial strain for local farmers,” she said. Inspector Green expressed hope that the arrests would reassure residents that rural crime is being taken seriously, emphasizing continued engagement with the farming community and efforts to disrupt organized criminal networks.
READ MORE: Live: A303 Traffic Comes to a Standstill Due to Flooding Closure
READ MORE: ‘She Deserves Every Chance to Keep Fighting’ - Woman’s Plea as Mum Battles Cancer
Detective Inspector Richard Grierson, senior investigator on the case, noted the extensive collaboration involved in the operation. “This long-running investigation involved over 50 officers from Avon and Somerset, Dorset, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and Gwent Police,” he explained. Though these arrests mark a major advancement, inquiries remain ongoing as police continue to combat rural crime in the region.