A mini digger which was stolen from a Ruddington garden last night has been recovered by Nottinghamshire Police after it was spotted heading towards Newark.
Brazen thieves broke down security fencing at the property on Loughborough Road, reversed in their van, and loaded on the machinery before making off. As police were called, the victim confronted a man who reportedly armed himself with a plank of wood and scaffolding poles and struck the man to the back, whilst the other offender continued to load the digger into the van.
The incident happened yesterday evening (Wednesday 28th April) at around half past six. Police say a woman had a brick thrown at her, whilst the man aged in his forties suffered a fractured arm, after trying to intervene, and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.
Police confirm tactical pursuit officers moved quickly to search the area and located the vehicle, which was spotted on the A46 northbound driving dangerously, nearly mounting a grass verge. The tyres of the van containing the digger were then punctured by a stinger device which was deployed across the carriageway at the Farndon roundabout to bring it to a halt.
Detective Inspector Mark Shaw, who’s leading the investigation, says: “This was a great bit of teamwork by officers and control room staff and I am delighted that we were able to bring this pursuit to a successful and safe conclusion. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, as we believe the van was also stolen. He remains in police custody.”
The Inspector adds: “This is a horrible incident in broad daylight where the victim had the machinery outside the property as they are having building work done. They were disturbed by the offenders and tried to challenge them. Sadly one man suffered injuries to his arm, not thought to be life altering.”
Police believe a Renault Megane car was driving in convoy with the van – which then travelled southbound at Newark after the van was stopped. They are keen to speak to anyone who may have information about this – or saw anything suspicious in the Loughborough Road area of Ruddington, early yesterday evening, near the time of the incident.
If you have any information you’re asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 583 of 28th April 2021.
