Police have seized stolen tools and farming equipment worth approximately £10,000 during an operation in Denmead, describing the recovery as uncovering a ‘treasure trove’ of illicitly obtained goods.
The significant haul was discovered by officers from Hampshire’s Rural Crime Taskforce working alongside Neighbourhood Policing teams, Winchester Greater, the Environment Agency and Datatag during an operation in the Denmead area.
Hampshire rural police announced on X: “The Rural Crime Taskforce along with Neighbourhood Policing, Winchester Greater, Environmental Agency and Datatag, seized a vast selection of tools and equipment whilst in the Denmead area”.
Waterlooville Police provided further details about the operation, explaining: “The Environmental Agency had ongoing concerns about the area and required further assistance, only for police officers to uncover a treasure trove of tools, equipment and more”.
Officers confirmed that the items were suspected to have been stolen, with the seized tools and equipment valued at approximately £10,000 being removed from the location. Investigations have already confirmed that at least one item was stolen as far back as 2014.
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The police force has appealed for anyone who believes they may recognise items from the seizure to come forward.
Enquiries remain ongoing, and anyone wishing to contact police regarding the recovered items should call 101, quoting reference number 44250263719, along with serial numbers of their items.
