Five stolen vehicles recovered in rural crime crackdown

Five stolen vehicles have been recovered as part of an ongoing crackdown targeting those who commit rural crime.

Officers were quickly dispatched as reports came in identifying that suspected criminals were potentially heading towards the county.

Information shared under the Rurali initiative helped locate and recover a suspected stolen vehicle and trailer, two quad bikes, a motorcycle, and numerous tools.

At around 3.45am this morning (Wednesday, February 25), reports came in of a theft of a Ford Ranger in the Cumbria area.

It was believed to be travelling along the A66 towards the County Durham area.

Information shared under Rurali between members of the public, officers and neighbouring police forces included possible sightings of the vehicle and the direction in which it was travelling.

Officers from our Roads Policing Unit attended the area and located a vehicle matching the description of the one reported missing in a layby near Barnard Castle.

The vehicle and attached trailer, two quad bikes, a motorcycle, and numerous valuable tools, was recovered.

An investigation has been launched to identify and locate those responsible for the theft.

Officers continue to work hard to protect our rural communities under the banner of Rurali – the force’s initiative to work with residents in rural areas to tackle issues that specifically affect them.

Neighbourhood Inspector Andy Reeves said: “We will not tolerate criminals who target our area and think they can get away with it.

“The teamwork between our officers and our rural community was vital in ensuring the vehicles were located.

“One of the most important tools in tackling crime is – and has always been – the help and support of members of our rural communities, who are encouraged to get in touch with police as early as possible should they have any information relating to offences in their area.

“However, our work does not stop here, we will continue to build on what we do through targeted nights of action and regular patrols in affected areas.

“I would like to thank all our Rurali community for their continued support in helping us keep our rural areas safe.”

Anyone with any further information about the theft of the stolen Ford Ranger is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 43 of February 25.