POLICE in East Devon have been working in collaboration with colleagues from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to investigate and recover stolen plant machinery.

The two forces paired up to carry out an operation this week which resulted in multiple items of machinery being recovered. Officers also made one arrest.

Neighbourhood Beat Manager for East Devon Rural Sector, PC Steve Mingo, said: “We would like to reassure our communities that we are working hard to investigate rural crime offences and recover valuable items.

“We will continue to share intelligence with neighbouring forces and work together to reduce incidents.”

A 20-year-old man from East Devon was arrested on 21 December in the Exeter area on suspicion of handling stolen goods. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

If anyone has information about rural crime they can contact police via the force website www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or call independent charity Crimestoppers 0800 555111.