Current timestamp: 09/06/2026 02:06:49
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal Activity[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-location' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Leave this site

Cookies

We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.

You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.

Accept cookies Reject cookies Customise cookies

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.

Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

Essex Police logo

  • Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Report a missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Spiking
    • Stalking or harassment
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
    • Hate crime
  • Back to Tell us about

    • Tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession, protest or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Contact us to report a crime, incident or suspicion
    • Contact us about something else
  • Back to Apply or register

    • Careers and volunteering
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Compensation for something the police have done
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
    • Request an update
  • Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Feedback about the website
    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
  • Your area
  1. ...
  2. News

Harwich: Port operation targets the theft of agricultural and construction vehicles

Main article content

News
Published: 14:40 05/05/2026
A uniformed Essex Police rural engagement officer and an officer from the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team, both wearing fluorescent jackets, search a lorry with a digger on board. A queue of lorries stretches into the distance
Working with the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team, rural engagement officers searched lorries queuing for ferries at Harwich International Port

Our rural engagement officers have been checking vehicles and containers travelling through Harwich International Port.

They mount regular operations at our ports with the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT), targeting the theft of agricultural and construction vehicles and equipment.

During their latest visit to Harwich, officers stopped and checked more than 200 lorries and containers waiting to board North Sea ferries and examined 50 items of plant and machinery.

Sergeant Jamie Horton says:

“We know stolen machinery and vehicles are exported to Europe through our ports and these checks play a vital role in disrupting criminal activity and protecting legitimate businesses.
“No stolen vehicles or equipment were identified on this occasion but officers were able to speak to drivers about vehicle security and protecting their loads.
“The Rural Engagement Team is committed to tackling rural and organised crime. But we need information from the public and industry partners to help to identify suspects, track stolen machinery and prevent future offences.
“So, if you have information, please report it online or ring our 101 non-emergency number. If you see a crime in progress, always ring 999.”

A uniformed Essex Police rural engagement officer rests his hand on the bonnet of a liveried Essex Police vehicle. He is standing in front of a number of lorries queueing up to load on to a North Sea ferry

Sign up to Dispatch today

We're offering more ways for our communities to stay up to date with our work across Essex.

Our e-newsletter, Dispatch, delivers news, information, and advice from Essex Police.

Dispatch is a ‘one stop shop’ for local police news – direct from the source. 

Sign up is completely free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

 
Subscribe

Share

More news

  • Basildon: Two people jailed for running man off road
  • Rochford: Helping residents stay safe from fraud and scams
  • Marine Unit rescues kitesurfer and issues vital water safety warning
  • Knife bin clear‑out removes thousands of weapons from Essex streets
  • Loughton: Woman given life sentence for murder of son
  • Basildon: Drugs charges following roads policing stop
  • “If you’re going out on the water … make sure you know what to do in an emergency,” say marine officers
  • Basildon: Trio sentenced after investigation into cocaine supply

Footer navigation

Essex Police

  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Careers
  • News
  • Campaigns
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Terms and conditions
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Feedback

Partners

  • Police.uk
  • Ask the Police
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

Follow us on:

© Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.