Two charged as Rural Task Force tackle alleged GPS theft series

A rural crime series involving the alleged theft of high-value farming navigation systems has been swiftly tackled by Kent Police.

Two men suspected of conspiring to steal from nine victims across the county are currently remanded in custody ahead of their first appearance at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday 14 September 2026.

It is alleged they were involved in the thefts of GPS equipment from tractors and other agricultural machinery at an estimated total cost of over £170,000.

Enquiries into other possible linked offences committed outside of Kent are ongoing.

Busy autumn

The offences were identified as a crime series by officers from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force ahead of what is expected to be another busy autumn tackling crimes that have a disproportionate impact on farming communities. These include thefts of plant and vehicles as well as wildlife offences like poaching and hare coursing.

Police Sergeant Ross Haybourne said:

‘Kent is known as the Garden of England for good reason and tackling rural crime is therefore a year-round priority for us. We work closely with the farming community in Kent to tackle the issues that affect them the most and we know that certain crime types increase in the autumn when the evenings start to get darker and more farm equipment is in use. ‘We already have good relationships with many of our local farmers and others who live in rural communities, and we will continue to do everything we can to share crime prevention advice, reunite victims with their stolen belongings and bring those responsible for rural crime to justice.’

Arrests

Farms in Canterbury, Folkestone, Romney Marsh, Maidstone, Sheppey and Thanet were reported to have been targeted by alleged GPS thieves during July and August 2026.

At around 1.55am on Sunday 16 August a vehicle of interest was brought to a tactical stop after exiting the Dartford tunnel on the Essex side, having been pursued by Kent Police officers.

Two men were arrested and various items of GPS equipment were seized.

Further enquiries were then carried out at a property in Dagenham, east London, where two other men were arrested and another GPS unit was located.

Footage

Charges

Ion Cojocaru, 33, and Iulian Doltu, 27, both Romanian nationals of Honour Gardens, Dagenham, have since been charged with conspiracy to steal GPS systems.

They were remanded in custody following a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 19 August.

The other two men arrested at the property in Dagenham, aged 21 and 30, have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Advice

PS Haybourne said: ‘As well as being very expensive to replace, GPS systems play a big part in modern day farming and when they are stolen it can have a significant impact – especially during the harvest season. ‘We encourage owners of GPS systems to protect their equipment by removing it from their vehicles where possible, or by moving their vehicles to a locked barn or other safe location when they are not in use. ‘Please also remember to record serial numbers and mark your property so we can return it to you should we be able to recover it in the future.’

Positive outcome

Kent farmer and NFU Kent Council Representative Alan Clifton-Holt said: ‘Farmers and people in rural communities continue to be victims of rural crime, which hampers food production and causes great worry, so this result is really positive. ‘Kent farmers and those across the region face equipment and machinery theft throughout the year and are up against a host of other issues including hare coursing, fly-tipping and many others - much of this is serious and organised. ‘Rural crime is more than just a financial burden – it leaves a lasting emotional strain on those farming families affected and the countryside of which we are so proud. ‘Collaboration is key to tackling these crimes effectively and we are working closely with officers to do all we can to help reduce the fear of crime and prevent thefts from our farms - it is excellent to see a major win. ‘Farmers need that visible policing and results like this will send a clear message, which is very welcome as we look to combat rural crime.
‘The NFU has consistently called for stronger legislation to protect farmers and rural communities including those across the East.’