Plant machinery worth around £200,000 recovered by Rural Task Force – Dover

Plant machinery and farm vehicles worth around £200,000 have been recovered in Dover following an operation led by Kent Police’s Rural Task Force.

Working with Port of Dover Police, the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service and the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team, officers seized the goods and made three arrests over a two-day period.

Suspicious vehicles

On Thursday 26 February 2026, drivers were detained after suspicion was aroused that the machinery with which they were attempting to leave the country was stolen.

A woodchipper was recovered, along with an excavator and trailer, diagnostic equipment and a tool to change VIN numbers.

Two men, aged 43 and 44, were arrested in connection with handling stolen goods and going equipped. They have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

The following day, a lorry was stopped after it was suspected that the Volvo G930 grader it was towing had been stolen. The value of the grader was estimated at around £150,000.

A suspected stolen John Deere baler was also seized.

Enquiries were completed at the scene and a 31 year old man was arrested in relation to handling stolen goods, along with two driving offences. He has been bailed while enquiries continue.

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.'