Tractors and farm machinery recovered in planned raids

Two tractors - that were suspected as stolen - have been recovered in Fermanagh, Police in the area have said.

It follows planned searches on the Derrylin Road, near Enniskillen, last Friday morning.

Officers say a 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods - he's been subsequently released on police bail.

"Detectives from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch, supported by officers from Local Policing Teams and Roads Policing conducted a planned search of a property in the Derrylin Road area this morning," a police statement read.

"During the search two New Holland tractors and a Redrock Low Loader were recovered by officers. A 59 year old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. He was subsequently released on Police bail pending further enquiries," it continued.

Chief Inspector Clive Beatty said the discoveries showed the Police Service's "continued commitment" to reducing rural crime.

“As a Police Service, we are very aware of the significant contribution that the rural community makes to a successful Northern Ireland," he said.

"Rural and agricultural crime is a serious issue and we are very conscious of the impact crime can have on farmers, their families, farm workers, businesses and the wider rural community and we will do everything we can to disrupt those who target farmers and others in the countryside," he added.

"There is no acceptable level of crime in the rural community or indeed elsewhere, and for us, one victim, is one victim too many," he continued.