Shropshire farmer chases forklift thieves before they crash into hedge
A farmer gave chase after spotting thieves making off with his forklift – and watched as the hapless raiders ploughed the truck into a hedge.
Police are investigating after the vehicle was stolen from a farm in Pulverbatch, near Shrewsbury, on Tuesday night.
The owner pursued the thieves for more than three miles to Ratlinghope, where they crashed near to the Bridges pub before getting into a white Vauxhall Insignia with false number plates and speeding off towards Bishop's Castle.
A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "At approximately 8pm offenders have stolen a forklift from a farm near Pulverbatch.
"The offenders have then made off in the direction of Ratlinghope in the stolen machinery.
"Noticing it being taken, the victim has called the police and given chase.
"It resulted in the offenders crashing the vehicle near to the Bridges Pub, Ratlinghope where it left the road and went into a hedge.
"The suspects vehicle, seen in the location of The Bridges by witnesses, is believed to be a white Vauxhall Insignia bearing false registration plates L18 XBC.
"The vehicle made off in the direction of Bishop's Castle from Ratlinghope.
"Officers and dog units attended the scene to search for possible suspects. The stolen forklift was recovered."
Call police on 101 quoting reference number 632s of November 3.
