Three arrests made as Cheshire Police investigate tractor GPS thefts
There has been a spate of these thefts in recent times.
Last updated 15th May 2021
Police investigating a spate of tractor global positioning system thefts across the North West have arrested three people.
Cheshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Team have been leading an investigation into the thefts since the back end of last year, in collaboration with the farming community and Merseyside Police’s Wildlife Crime Team and Lancashire Police’s Rural Task Force.
In the early hours of Thursday 13 May officers searched two addresses in the Bootle area of Sefton, Merseyside.
They arrested three people from Merseyside – men aged 24 and 23, and a 25-year-old woman – on suspicion of conspiracy to steal.
The officers also seized three vehicles that morning as part of the investigation.
Superintendent Simon Meegan, the head of rural and wildlife crime at Cheshire Constabulary, said: "Thieves target tractor global positioning systems all over the world, and there have been a spate of such thefts across the North West of England in recent times.
"All makes and models of GPS control units are targeted by thieves, together with screens and domes.
"In Cheshire alone, we estimate that around half a million pounds worth of GPS equipment has been stolen since the back end of last year."
"The substantial impact for victims does not just relate to the cost of the tractor GPS itself. Having the equipment stolen from them also hinders subsequent work at their farm and affects their livelihood.
"Our investigation into the thefts, working alongside Lancashire Police and Merseyside Police as well as the farming community, has led to three people from Merseyside being arrested and three vehicles being seized.
"The two men and one woman who were arrested have all been interviewed in custody and subsequently released under investigation pending further enquiries.
"A range of enquiries in relation to the tractor GPS thefts are ongoing.
"Whilst we undertake these enquiries I urge anyone with such equipment to review your security measures and take steps to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this type of crime."