Flatbed trailer and cattle crush stolen from West Dorset farm
© Rex/Shutterstock A flatbed trailer and a cattle crush have been stolen from a farm in West Dorset and police want to speak to anyone who may have heard “loud banging noises” in the area, as it was taken away.
The raid happened between 5pm on Saturday 27 June and 8am on Sunday 28 June, at a farm in the Tincleton area.
It is unclear whether the cattle crush was already loaded onto the trailer or not, but a trailer lock and a chain, along with a padlock, were also stolen.
See also: Wireless camera helps deter thieves in remote areas
Paul Bosley, police community support investigator at Dorset Police, said: “As the cattle crusher was not secured properly to the trailer, it would have made a lot of loud banging noises if driven away.
The missing flatbed trailer. © Dorset Police
“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard any suspicious activity in the area to please get in touch.
“I would also urge anyone who recognises the stolen items and has seen them for sale in unusual circumstances to get in contact.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference number 55200093240.
The missing cattle crush. © Dorset Police
Consider tracking devices
The Dorset Police Rural Crime Team has helped recover stolen plant machinery and vehicles with a combined value of more than £50,000, and freed a caged bird.
Officers seized a suspected stolen RTV, plant machinery and a stolen vehicle on Tuesday 7 July. A car used in the crime was also seized and a man was arrested.
Assisted by North and East Dorset Rural Police, officers also freed a goldfinch that was being kept at the address in East Dorset.
The force said farmers can help police officers by using trackers.
“If you own tractors, quad bikes, RTVs, telehandlers or trailers, please consider tracking devices and marking systems such as Datatag ID Limited.
“These systems help us when we are on these kinds of jobs to quickly and easily identify stolen items and help us to reunite victims of rural crime with items.”