AN operation targeting agriculture-related crime has taken place at a Wirral port this week.
Merseyside Police's Rural, Wildlife and Heritage team led a multi-agency operation at 12 Quays port in Birkenhead on Wednesday (September 12) alongside the RSPCA (England & Wales) , World Horse Welfare.
Also involved were Animal Health, the National Construction and Agriculture Theft Team & Cheshire Police.
The purpose was to disrupt criminals using the road and port networks, to prevent the movement of stolen goods through the ports, in particular plant machinery, agricultural vehicles, agricultural GPS systems and to check the welfare and documentation of animals being moved through the ports.
Merseyside Police said no arrests were made or necessary during the operation.
Checks were also carried out on three tractors, one agricultural rotator rake, an excavator, four trailers, six horseboxes, three caravans and 34 Heavy Goods Vehicles.
Detailing the operation's result in a Facebook post, Wirral Police commented: "In the UK in 2023 agricultural vehicle theft including GPS systems cost an estimated £15m, and livestock theft £2.7m. The impact that these crimes have on the rural communities is devastating.
"We will continue to conduct regular checks at Merseyside Ports to continue to target and disrupt criminality, please do get in touch with us if you have any information which may assist with this."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel