Rural Engagement Team seize 161 vehicles in 2023

Essex Police Rural Engagement Team (RET) seized 161 vehicles this year.

The RET investigate the theft of vehicles and agricultural machinery, and help keep the rural roads safe by carrying out speed checks and patrolling.

The majority of seizures were for lack of insurance. A quarter of seizures were stolen vehicles the team recovered following tracker activations.

The peak months for activity were May and July, with 22 vehicles seized in each.

Sergeant Ben Felton said tracking down one stolen vehicle would often lead to the discovery of other stolen items such as quad bikes, ride-on lawnmowers, caravans or tractor and agricultural attachments.