Uttlesford / Wickford: Eagle-eyed officer spots stolen Land Rover – recovers four stolen vehicles

After spotting a distinctive Land Rover while out on patrol, one of our rural engagement officers made some checks and located not one but four stolen vehicles.

PC Matt Harkness, of our Rural Engagement Team, was in Meadow Lane, Wickford, on Sunday 20 November when he saw the white roof of a Land Rover Defender.

“I knew a similar vehicle had been stolen four days earlier from a village in Uttlesford so I took a closer look and made some checks.
“They revealed that it was indeed the stolen vehicle, which had been partially disguised with cloned number plates.
 “As a result of my inquiries, we have located another three stolen vehicles, too.”

All four vehicles have been forensically examined and our enquiries continue.

Matt says the owners of the Land Rover Defender were particularly thankful when officers returned their vehicle.

“The owners were extremely grateful and relieved as the vehicle was of great sentimental value to them – all their children learnt to drive in it.
“We take all reports of stolen vehicles seriously as we know just how much distress and inconvenience such thefts cause to the owners, particularly in rural communities, which can be isolated and without public transport links.
“And of course, the loss of any vehicle will often leave its owner without a means of getting to work or performing vital tasks.
“But we can’t do it without your help so please, if you see anything suspicious or have information about a crime or criminal activity, please report it to us.“

Our Rural Engagement Team

Our Rural Engagement Team was set up specifically to engage with our rural communities.

Officers investigate and help to prevent crimes which matter to you, such as theft of agricultural vehicles and technical equipment, hare coursing, fly-tipping and animal cruelty. 

And they also liaise with partner agencies to take enforcement action against those who breach legislation and to tackle specific rural issues through proactive operations.

Visit our rural crime webpages for specific crime prevention advice. You can also find out about our Farm and Rural Watch scheme.

If you see anything suspicious, tell us

Anyone who experiences or who has information about crime or anti-social behaviour, should ring 999 if it’s an emergency or a crime in progress.

Otherwise you can report it online where you can also provide information directly to an online Live Chat operator between 10am and 9pm. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, online or by calling 0800 555 111.

At Essex Police, we value difference, and know that we’re strongest when we all work together.

If you share our values and want to protect and serve our communities, why not join us?

Apply now and start your new career in 2023. If you apply by 5 January you could starting your fully-paid training in March.

If you think you could protect and serve the people of Essex, either as a police officer, member of staff or volunteer, why not see if you #FitTheBill? Visit our careers page to find out more.