Plant machinery stolen and found Wimborne

Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, Environment Agency, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) raided a site piled high with waste.

They found an estimated £50,000-worth of suspected stolen plant machinery. It is believed to have been stolen from the Bedfordshire area.

A 51-year-old Bournemouth man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

Some of the photos taken by Dorset Police Rural Crime Team (Image: Dorset Police)

Further searches at another address also revealed further machinery worth around £15,000, which is believed to have been stolen from the Bristol area.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Environment Agency will also be investigating what is believed to be a significant illegal waste site containing both hazardous and non-hazardous materials as well as other pollutants.

HMRC is investigating offences under the Customs and Excise Management Act relating to fraudulent evasion of excise duty.

• READ NEXT: Refusal: Devon flytipper in court after failing to clear Devon field

Police Constable Kate Schofield, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “This operation is another example of how we work with our partners to investigate reports of rural crime and take positive action against those believed to be involved.

“We recognise the impact this kind of activity has on our rural communities and by sharing intelligence and working with other agencies we are better equipped to take a robust response.

“We are continuing our enquiries into this matter and will be working to ensure that the suspected stolen machinery is returned to the rightful owners.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220155272.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.