A New Holland tractor similar to this stolen in Co Antrim
THE PSNI is warning the farming community to be on the alert for dead of night tractor thieves on the prowl.
It follows the seizue by police officers in Co Antrim of a high value stolen New Holland tractor.
A spokesman said: “At around 10pm on Sunday night a routine patrol spotted a tractor being driven into an industrial estate on Seven Mile Straight in Antrim.
“Finding the movement of an agricultural vehicle so late at night suspicious, officers followed the tractor.
“On seeing police, the tractor driver jumped from the vehicle leaving the unmanned tractor to ram through a metal fence.
“A blue Peugeot car was then spotted speeding from the area but was stopped by officers and the driver was arrested.
“Police were able to quickly establish that the New Holland tractor had been stolen, along with a second tractor, from commercial premises on Michelin Road in Mallusk earlier the same evening.
“The owners of the tractors had been unaware that they had been taken.
“With the second tractor still outstanding we are asking all landowners in mid and east Antrim to please check your land and keep an eye out for any tractors, or indeed any other agricultural machinery, being driven or transported at unusual times.
“If you do come across anything unusual or if anything rouses your suspicions do not hesitate to let us know by calling 101.”
