Farm raiders drive off in JCB

The theft happened at some time between 7pm on Sunday and 8am yesterday when the yellow JCB, which has a front spike on it to carry straw bales, was stolen from land close to Tanton Grange Farm, near Stokesley.

North Yorkshire Police officers have been making house-to-house inquires.

Pc Wayne Whitfield said the theft had come as a “great inconvenience” to the owner, and urged any witnesses to come forward as it is unusual for farm plant machinery to be driven around at night.

It is believed that the offenders broke the lock off a secure gate before stealing the agricultural vehicle and driving away in the direction of Hebron Road.