Criminals steal more than £200,000 worth of farming equipment

The stolen John Deere tractor, registration SN14 OZV, is worth £60,000
The stolen John Deere tractor, registration SN14 OZV, is worth £60,000

Police are appealing for more information after more than £200,000 worth of farming equipment was stolen from an East Lothian farm.

Three vehicles were stolen including a JCB, with the registration SK07 GUD, worth £100,000.

The other two vehicles taken are a blue New Holland tractor, registration SN10 EBL, valued at £60,000 and a green and yellow John Deere, registration SN14 OZV, which is worth £60,000.

The theft took place at a farm in the Macmerry area between 8pm on Wednesday 28th and 7am on Thursday 29th November.

Detective Sergeant Cameron Walker, of East Lothian's Community Investigation Unit, said: “This was not likely to have been a discreet theft, with the stolen vehicles believed to have been loaded onto a transporter.

The stolen New Holland tractor, registration SN10 EBL, is valued at £60,000
The stolen New Holland tractor, registration SN10 EBL, is valued at £60,000

“As part of our investigations, we'd urge anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour or the vehicles being transported from the area during this time to get in touch with us immediately.

“Likewise, anyone who might know the whereabouts of the stolen vehicles is asked to contact either us or report this information anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

The incident follows news of the NFU calling on Police and Crime Commissioners to make tackling rural crime a strategic objective all year round.

Those with information can call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0614 of 29th November, or report this anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.