A stolen tractor and a telehandler have been recovered in Somerset, thanks to a drone.
Police were initially called to reports of a curtain sided lorry loading what was suspected to be a stolen tractor in a lane near Tintinhull, South Somerset at around 8.30pm yesterday (October 20).
The lorry was found heading into Wiltshire on the A303.
A John Deere tractor stolen from Puckington, near Ilminster, was found inside.
The driver, a 32-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of theft.
The force drone unit was then deployed to conduct a search for a second item suspected to have been stolen.
The drone footage revealing the telehandler
A high value Manitou telehandler was located hidden within a large hedge and has now been safety returned to its owner.
Stolen farming equipment hidden in a hedge was located using a drone and then recovered by officers, as is shown in photo from the body worn video footage.
The moment police found the telehandler
DI Scott Chadwick, investigating, said: “This is a fantastic example of how the use of technology, in combination with intelligence provided to us by the local community, can help us respond to suspected crimes in progress.
“We’re delighted to be able to return the stolen farming property to its owner so they can continue their essential work.
Read next: Farmer left £110k tractor running and unattended while buying lunch
“We continue to urge anyone that spots any suspicious activity to report it to police on 101. If it is an emergency or you witness a crime in progress, please call 999.”
Anyone with information relating to this specific incident is asked to call 101, quoting reference 5219206787.
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