Essex police officer helps reunite stolen Land Rover that holds 'sentimental value' with owners
He spotted it whilst out on duty
Essex Police have returned a stolen vehicle with great sentimental importance to its owners after an officer spotted it whilst he was out on duty.
PC Matt Harkness, a rural engagement officers, spotted a distinctive Land Rover while out on patrol, made some checks and located four stolen vehicles.
He was in Meadow Lane, Wickford, on Sunday 20th November when he saw the white roof of a Land Rover Defender: “I knew a similar vehicle had been stolen four days earlier from a village in Uttlesford so I took a closer look and made some checks.
“They revealed that it was indeed the stolen vehicle, which had been partially disguised with cloned number plates.
“As a result of my inquiries, we have located another three stolen vehicles, too.”
All four vehicles have been forensically examined and police are continuing their enquiries.
Matt says the owners of the Land Rover Defender were particularly thankful when officers returned their vehicle: “The owners were extremely grateful and relieved as the vehicle was of great sentimental value to them – all their children learnt to drive in it.
“We take all reports of stolen vehicles seriously as we know just how much distress and inconvenience such thefts cause to the owners, particularly in rural communities, which can be isolated and without public transport links.
“Of course, the loss of any vehicle will often leave its owner without a means of getting to work or performing vital tasks."
He also made an appeal to the public: “But we can’t do it without your help so please, if you see anything suspicious or have information about a crime or criminal activity, please report it to us.“