Essex Police temporarily closed the QE2 Bridge in pursuit of a stolen JCB digger, which was recovered thanks to a signal from a Tracker stolen vehicle recovery unit.

The successful operation resulted in officers recovering over £350,000 worth of plant equipment and other items, including the original missing JCB.

The JCB digger was stolen from a construction site near Great Casterton, in Leicestershire.

Luckily, the hire company that owned it had fitted a Tracker stolen vehicle recovery device, which was activated to help police trace the missing JCB.

Less than seven days after the theft, Essex Police picked up the signal and together with support from the helicopter unit they followed the silent signal to the Dartford River Crossing.

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Officers managed to narrow the signal down to the back of a lorry on the QE2 Bridge, during rush hour. The bridge had to be closed while police stopped the lorry and arrested the driver.

Once they checked the lorry, police discovered another stolen tractor and items valued at £350,000.

Sgt Colin Sheard from Essex Roads Policing Unit (RPU) said: "This was a great result, involving excellent teamwork from Officers from Essex Police's RPU and Air Support Unit as well as the co-operation of staff from Dartford River Crossing and members of the public. Without a Tracker unit installed in the JCB, this machinery would be well on its way to Europe.

"The owner of the second stolen tractor is very lucky to have his machinery back."

Adrian Davenport, Tracker's Police Relationships Manager said: "The successful recovery of this stolen JCB illustrates the need for plant owners to keep security and the safety of their fleet high on their agenda."

(BMcC/GK)