Police recover John Deere Gator minutes after farm theft

The stolen vehicle was recovered within minutes by police, and the suspect was arrested
The stolen vehicle was recovered within minutes by police, and the suspect was arrested

Police have given security guidance to farmers after a stolen John Deere Gator was found by officers minutes following its theft from a Yorkshire farm.

Just after 1.50am today (Monday 30 November), North Yorkshire Police received a report that a quad bike had just been stolen from a farm near Northallerton.

The caller reported seeing the John Deere Gator being driven off at speed down their driveway.

Officers responded immediately, and at 2.10am they found the vehicle abandoned just off the A67 at Kirklevington, south of Yarm, with its engine still running.

Knowing that any suspects were likely to be nearby, officers contained the area and began a search.

At 2.30am, they found a man covered in mud, in a bus shelter a few hundred metres away from where the quad was abandoned.

The man, aged 24 and from Stockton-on-Tees, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, vehicle theft and vehicle interference. He remains in custody.

The stolen quad was recovered for forensic analysis, and will then be returned to the farmer.

Inspector Sarah Sanderson, of North Yorkshire Police, said quads were frequently targeted by thieves in rural areas as they are small, expensive and easy to transport.

"Their loss can have a big economic impact on farms and other rural businesses – at a time when farmers can ill-afford any further disruption," she added.

“However, quad bike thieves are now finding it increasingly difficult to enter and leave North Yorkshire undetected.

"Instead, they will face an immediate and robust police response to their offending, followed by likely arrest and prosecution."

Police issue security precautions to farmers

Police are reminding farmers to take vehicle security precautions:

• Fit a GPS tracking device.

• Park as close to your premises as possible, ideally in a locked outbuilding with CCTV and security lighting, preferably out of sight from nearby roads.

• Remove keys when not in use, and do not leave them near the quad.

• Secure with wheel clamps and/or locking posts.

• Mark or customise your quad so it is easily identifiable, and keep a record, including photographs and serial numbers.