South Rural Taskforce officers have been searching for stolen land rovers and the people benefiting from the stolen parts.

The thefts led to an investigation that has been going on for the past few months.

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As a result of the team’s investigations, a warrant was executed on an industrial estate in Preston on Tuesday 26 April.

The Rural Task Force along with the Stolen Vehicle Identification Unit have filled more than six recovery trucks with seized engines, gearboxes and parts from in excess of 70 stolen vehicles including Land Rovers, 4x4s and agricultural vehicles.

The theft value is estimated at being over £1 million. Initial findings are that the stolen items are from all over the country.

A spokesperson for Preston Police said: “The investigation is still ongoing with more property being recovered.

“These types of crimes have a massive impact on the rural community, especially for farmers who are not only affected by a loss of their vehicles, machinery and equipment, but who are also unable to carry out their daily business, particularly as this is a busy time of year for them.”

Read more: ‘Rawbear’ and Preston drugs gang jailed for total of 60 years

No arrests have yet been made, but a suspect has been identified and enquiries are ongoing.

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