Rural Crime Team Success – Stolen Telehandler Recovered

Yesterday afternoon, we received information from our neighbouring force, Nottinghamshire Police, regarding a telehandler that had been stolen from the Mansfield area.

Officers from Derbyshire Rural Crime Team, alongside colleagues from Clay Cross Local Policing Unit, quickly mobilised in an effort to locate the vehicle.

Clay Cross officers were first to spot the telehandler and successfully brought it to a stop. Clearly deciding that running was a better option than explaining himself, the suspect made off on foot… unfortunately for him, his sprinting ability didn’t quite match his decision-making. He was swiftly detained by officers after a short pursuit!

Further checks by the Rural Crime Team confirmed that the vehicle was indeed the stolen telehandler from Mansfield. The suspect had attempted to disguise it by removing its livery, however this effort was unsuccessful — proving that taking the stickers off doesn’t make it any less stolen.

A great example of teamwork across departments, resulting in a fantastic outcome — the telehandler has now been returned to its rightful owner!