FOLLOWING fast work by the Rural Engagement Team a stolen telehandler was returned to its owner within hours of it being reported stolen.

Police received reports at around 8am on Wednesday 12 August that a telehandler had been stolen from Leather Bottle Farm, Matching Green sometime overnight.

The vehicle was fitted with a tracking device that allowed officers to find it a few hours later at 11.30pm in a wooded area in Kelvedon Hatch.

Chris Leamon the owner took to twitter to thank both Essex Police and CanTrack Global for returning his telehandler so quickly. He said: “Thanks to @CanTrackGlobal and @EP_Rural reported at 8.00am, found at 11.30am and home by 2.30pm to feed the pigs”.

PC Andy Long from the Rural Engagement Team said: “It was great we could help so quickly we know that machinery like this in invaluable to rural business owners and it can have a big impact when they are stolen.

“Having some form of tracking device fitted is a great way to help us to make sure we can get these items returned to their rightful owner quickly.

“We will continue to investigate who carried out the theft, but I would encourage anyone that this happens to please report it, we can only help if we know about it.”