Kent Police is working with the construction, farming, insurance, security and transport industries, as well as the public, to reduce the theft of heavy machinery.

It is part of a major drive to stop specialist gangs stealing the valuable equipment from building sites, farms and lay-bys.

Officers are giving crime prevention help and advice to major local authorities and the industries.

Heavy machinery includes excavators, forklift trucks, grass cutters, tractors, generators, cement mixers and road breakers. A single piece of equipment can cost as much as £300,000 which is why theft is increasing nationally as gangs target what they see as a lucrative source of cash.

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As well as loss and disruption to the industry, the theft of heavy machinery can have a significant impact on the lives of the wider community.

Inspector Roscoe Walford said: "Roadworks last longer when machinery is stolen causing traffic delays and diversions. This affects people taking their children to school, shoppers, commuters and people generally going about their daily lives.

"People find it harder to get builders and other tradesmen to do work for them because insurance companies demand high premiums or won’t insure businesses because of the increasing number of claims they make."

(CD/JM)