Police in Fermanagh have recovered two suspected stolen tractors and a low loader following a planned search near Enniskillen this morning.

Detectives from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch, supported by officers from Local Policing Teams and Roads Policing conducted a planned search of a property in the Derrylin Road area this morning. During the search two New Holland tractors and a Redrock Low Loader were recovered by officers. A 59 year old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. He was subsequently released on Police bail pending further enquiries.

Commenting on the operation Chief Inspector Clive Beatty said: “The recovery of this machinery is an example of our continued commitment to reduce agricultural crime and continuing work towards reducing opportunities for this type of crime in the local area.

“As a Police Service, we are very aware of the significant contribution that the rural community makes to a successful Northern Ireland. Rural and agricultural crime is a serious issue and we are very conscious of the impact crime can have on farmers, their families, farm workers, businesses and the wider rural community and we will do everything we can to disrupt those who target farmers and others in the countryside. There is no acceptable level of crime in the rural community or indeed elsewhere, and for us, one victim, is one victim too many.”

“Rural and agriculture crime affects more than just those people who are direct victims; it impacts on jobs, the environment and the economy. It is a concern for all of us and I would therefore ask for assistance from the public in providing information that may support us in continuing to prevent crime and arresting those individuals or gangs that carry out offences within rural communities.”