Stolen tractors discovered by police (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Stolen tractors discovered by police

4:55pm Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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A FARMER has warned there will be a “Tony Martin” style incident in the near-future if the rural community continues to be targeted by thieves.

Simon Collins, who runs Kingston Farm, in Matching Green, was speaking after police revealed £160,000 of stolen goods including tractors and vehicle parts had been recovered from a yard in Pick Hill, Waltham Abbey.

He said: “We are still experiencing break-ins. We had another one in January when our commercial units where broken into. We haven't had any tractors stolen- quad bikes are the articles of choice for theft from farms.

“It's a national problem which is getting much bigger. I'm spending £5,000 this winter putting up great big gates. That's what these people have done to my business.

“I fear there's going to be another Tony Martin-style incident. At some point the rural population will be pushed too far. Someone will say 'I've had enough' and let them have it with both barrels.”

A fourth man, aged 40 from Waltham Abbey has now been arrested in relation to the goods found at Pick Hill.

Three men, an 18-year-old from Romford, a 21-year-old from London and a 45-year-old from Waltham Abbey, have already been arrested on suspicion of burglary, theft and drug offences, and released on bail until April 6.