Large quantity of agricultural machinery stolen

Farm machinery was moved through the village after being stolen, said police

Police have appealed for information after a "substantial quantity" of agricultural machinery was stolen.

The items were taken from an estate in Compton Bassett, near Calne, between Friday 16 May and Tuesday 20 May, Wiltshire Police said.

"The machinery would likely have required a trailer to move and would have been very noticeable as it was moved through the village," said a force spokesperson.

"Such crimes can have a huge impact on people's livelihoods and disrupt agricultural operations which cannot be underestimated," Insp Peter Foster said.

Insp Foster added: "Unfortunately this is a national issue and we take this offences extremely seriously and will do all we can to bring offenders to justice.

"Always record serial numbers and consider the use of protective marking kits and trackers to help make it harder for thieves."

Detectives said they would particularly like to hear from people with dashcam or doorbell footage that may have captured the machinery being removed.

Anyone with footage or information was asked to call Wiltshire Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.