Two stolen tractors have been recovered close to Belleeks in South Armagh.
A Ford 7840 tractor was stolen from the Loughgall area on Sunday, January 4, and a Case Puma tractor stolen from the Aghanore Road area of Armagh sometime overnight, between Tuesday, January 7 and yesterday, Wednesday, January 8.
The owner of the stolen Ford tractor made enquiries in relation to the stolen machinery which led him to a derelict farm on Lower Aghincurk Road on Wednesday, where he discovered his own tractor and the Case Puma model.
The tractor owner approached a man who was in the area and a short struggle ensued before the 24-year-old accompanied the owner to Armagh Police Station, where he was arrested on suspicion of theft, possession of a weapon and assault.
A 21-year-old man was arrested in the Armagh area a short time later on suspicion of theft.
Both men were subsequently released on bail pending further enquiries.
Inspector Kieran Quinn, Armagh Neighbourhood and Response, said: “The theft of plant machinery and farm equipment is one we have been working hard to address. Extra resources have been deployed in rural areas across Armagh to detect and deter crime and I will be meeting with local representatives and members of Farmwatch to discuss their concerns.
“While we are pleased that two tractors have been recovered and that arrests have been made, we do not want anyone to put themselves at risk of harm.
“I would urge anyone with information about criminal activity to contact police at the earliest opportunity so that we can respond and apprehend those who break the law without risk to any member of the public.”
Police can be contacted on 0845 600 8000.
