Four Arrested In Farm Raid

Police made four arrests after a mechanical digger was stolen in West Sussex.

Shortly after 2am on Thursday 15th March a burglary of an outbuilding took place at the Watergate Estate in West Marden near Chichester. A white Transit van and trailer was used to drive away a mechanical digger, together with computer equipment, with a total value of some £7000.
 
However a nearby resident spotted this activity and followed the vehicle in his car before losing sight of it.

Police were alerted and, after making various enquiries, were able to locate the stolen items on land at Brickbatt Farm, Mouthey's Lane, Funtington, near Chichester at lunchtime on Thursday.

Three men aged 29, 46 and 59, and a woman aged 55 were arrested there on suspicion of dishonest handling and have subsequently been released on police bail until 17 April while further enquiries are made.

A search of the farm site is continuing and so far a substantial amount of other property including petrol driven mowers and a quad bike have been recovered. Further enquiries are being made about their ownership.

Detective Inspector Jim McKnight said; "Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call us on 101 quoting serial 0077 of 15/3."