Tractor heritage, news and features

Stolen plant tracked down

The JCB digger was stolen from a construction site near Great Casterton, in Leicestershire. Luckily, the hire company that owned it had fitted a TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery device, which was activated to help police trace the missing JCB. Less than seven days after the theft, Essex Police picked up the signal and together with support from the helicopter unit they followed the silent signal to the Dartford River Crossing.

Officers managed to narrow the signal down to the back of a lorry on the QE2 Bridge, during rush hour. The bridge had to be closed while police stopped the lorry and arrested the driver. Once they checked the lorry, police discovered another stolen tractor and items valued at £350,000.

Sgt Colin Sheard from Essex Roads Policing Unit said, "This was a great result, involving excellent teamwork from Officers from Essex Police's RPU and Air Support Unit as well as the co-operation of staff from Dartford River Crossing and members of the public. Without a TRACKER unit installed in the JCB, this machinery would be well on its way to Europe. The owner of the second stolen tractor is very lucky to have his machinery back."