Kent Police’s Rural Task Force has smashed a huge theft ring, recovering stolen plant machinery and farm vehicles worth around £200,000 in Dover.
Border Check Leads to Major Haul and Arrests
In just two days, officers joined forces with Port of Dover Police, the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, and the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team to seize a haul of stolen equipment and arrest three suspects.
On Thursday, 26 February 2026, Dover Port patrols grew suspicious of vehicles trying to sneak plant machinery out of the UK. Their checkpoint uncovered:
- Woodchipper
- Excavator
- Trailer
- Diagnostic kit
- Tool for altering Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)
Two men, aged 43 and 44, were arrested on charges of handling stolen goods and possessing theft tools. Both remain on bail as investigations continue.
Next-Day Seizure of £150,000 Volvo Grader
The following day, officers stopped a lorry carrying a stolen Volvo G930 grader valued at a staggering £150,000, plus a suspected stolen John Deere baler.
A 31-year-old man was arrested for handling stolen goods and two driving offences. He is also on bail pending further inquiries.
Police Sergeant Ross Haybourne said: “These positive outcomes show what can be achieved when police officers and specialist partners work closely together. Through working collaboratively, we were able to recover valuable agricultural and construction machinery, disrupt organised criminal activity and safeguard farmers, businesses and livelihoods.”
