A stolen tractor was driven straight into a terraced house on Priory Road, Middlesbrough, on the night of May 8, prompting a police investigation and emergency response. The tractor, valued at around £180,000, was taken from a farm near Crathorne before ending up embedded in the property, with police establishing a cordon around the area.
Tractor Theft And Property Damage
Farmer Ian Tate reported the Massey Ferguson tractor and a £42,000 round baler were stolen from Crossfield Farm in Crathorne between 11.40pm and 12.20am. CCTV footage showed two men in dark clothing moving a sprayer before targeting the tractor. The stolen tractor was later found inside a Middlesbrough home, its nose embedded in the wall with bricks scattered on the ground.
Tractor Still Running When Found
Mr Tate told police the tractor was still running when he arrived on the scene with officers, despite the keys not being in the ignition. “I don’t know if they can hotwire these modern tractors or not,” he said, adding the flashing lights were visible when the vehicle was started on CCTV.
Emergency Services Respond
Cleveland Fire Brigade were called at 1.39am and stayed on site until 3.26am to secure the scene. Two appliances from Thornaby Fire Station attended and helped make the area safe as police continued their inquiries.
CCTV Fire
A police cordon remains in place around several Priory Road homes as officers investigate how the tractor came to be driven into the house. Residents have been advised to stay clear while inquiries continue.
