STOLEN farm equipment has been found hidden among trees and bushes by police.

Essex’s Roads Policing Unit made the discovery in Orsett while carrying out routine patrols.

The plant equipment – a tractor and trailer – had been reported stolen from Tilbury following a suspected raid in the early hours of August 17.

Officers stumbled across the stolen machinery two weeks later.

PC Paul Glensman, one of the officers who found the stolen equipment, said: “Plant equipment is an expensive investment for any business.

“To have it stolen is a devastating loss for any company and it has a massive impact on any business activity.

“But we managed to locate it and reunite it with its rightful owners in a short space of time.”

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The Essex Roads Policing Unit says it is working hard to tackle and disrupt criminality on roads throughout the county, including organised crime and theft of high value vehicles.

The Roads Policing officer explained: “Preventing harm and saving lives are our priorities, and we will continue working with partners to achieve that.

“Patrolling the roads and in particular the strategic road network will prevent and reduce economic harm to our business community. We will take all opportunities to use our enforcement powers to robustly tackle those intent on such crimes.”

Anyone who was in the area, has dash cam footage or has information about the incident should call us on 101 and quote crime reference 42/215692/22.