Ashford CSU Rural Crime Good work!

Following a report of the theft of multiple gates from rural land in the Ashford area, Ashford Neighbourhood Task Force officers, working closely with rural beat colleagues, carried out swift and proactive enquiries using ANPR and CCTV. Offenders were believed to be from the Dover rural area.

Within 48 hours of the offence being reported, officers successfully tracked and located the suspect vehicle, arrested two suspects, and recovered all stolen gates during searches of associated property and land, along with seizing the vehicle and trailer used in the offence. While awaiting recovery, officers identified a third suspect attempting to hide in an adjacent field, who was arrested following a short foot pursuit.

This operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects, full recovery of stolen property, and a clear disruption to rural acquisitive crime, demonstrating effective use of technology, teamwork, and determined frontline policing.