Suspected stolen plant machinery recovered by police near Wimborne
A man's also been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods
An estimated £50,000 worth of suspected stolen plant machinery has been found and seized from a site near Wimborne.
Dorset Police's Rural Crime Team carried out a search warrant on Friday (23rd September) alongside the Environment Agency, HM Revenue and Customs and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service.
The machinery is thought to have been stolen from the Bedfordshire area.
A 51 year old man from Bournemouth was arrested at the scene on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
Searches at another address also discovered £15,000 of further plant, believed to have been stolen from the Bristol area.
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.
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.”
If you can help with information about the items being kept at the site, you're asked to call Dorset Police, or visit their website, quoting reference number 55220155272.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.