Five arrested over tractor thefts

Five people have been arrested over the theft of tractors and other high value farm equipment across Kent.

Two men were detained in Maidstone, one in Lenham, one in Charing and one in Hollingbourne, following eight raids by more than 80 officers on Tuesday.

Kent Police said the operation was the culmination of a year-long investigation into the theft of items worth up to £100,000 each.

Detectives believe many of the stolen vehicles are sold abroad.

Det Insp Tom Richards said: "Some sources have previously estimated that the theft of these vehicles across the country can be worth around £3 million a year."

He added: "Whilst the theft of farming machinery is rare in Kent, the theft of the equipment is understandably a considerable loss to the owner, both financially and to the continuity of their business.

"It is vital that members of the public are aware this type of crime goes on and the affect it has on our local farming community."