Rural Crime Team Takes Part In Multi-Agency Operation At Newhaven Port

An operation aimed at tackling the theft of farm and plant machinery, took place at Newhaven Port last Thursday (May 12).

It involved Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team and Lewes Neighbourhood policing officers, who joined forces with partners from Thames Valley Police’s Rural Crime Team, UK Border Force and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) to gather information and intelligence and disrupt cross-border criminality.

Inspector Oliver Fisher of the Sussex Rural Crime Team said:

“The aim of this operation was to gather intelligence and provide a visible deterrent to criminals looking to use regional small ports to commit crimes, notably the handling and movement of stolen goods such as power tools and farm machinery.

“These crimes can have a serious impact on rural businesses such as farms, which in turn has a knock on effect on the cost of living and the stability of the supply chain. We will continue to work with partners, share intelligence, disrupt criminal activity and bring people to justice.

“The feedback we received on the day was very positive, and we hope people continue to feel confident contacting us to report any criminal or suspicious behaviour so we can respond effectively.”

Officers checked over 170 vehicles at the port, including dozens of lorries.

One uninsured vehicle was found to contain amphetamine – the car was seized and the driver arrested.

He was later issued with a caution for drug possession and a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for driving with no insurance. The driver of a second uninsured vehicle was also issued with an FPN. Officers also located a stolen caravan using the latest detection equipment.  

As well as enforcement, officers engaged with passengers travelling through the port and NaVCIS officers gave crime prevention advice to caravan and motorhome owners to prevent the theft of their vehicles.