Five Stolen Mini Diggers Recovered in South Yorkshire Police Sting
South Yorkshire Police have smashed a plant machinery theft ring after recovering five stolen mini diggers. The haul came following tracker alerts and reports of stolen gear moving into the region.
Tracked and Trapped: The Police Sting That Stopped The Thieves
On 16 November, officers from the Roads Policing Proactive Team picked up tracker signals tracking stolen mini diggers travelling from Nottinghamshire into South Yorkshire. They soon found two suspicious HGVs parked separately in Wath and Bolton-upon-Dearne.
The lorry in Bolton-upon-Dearne had fake number plates and visible damage. Inside, cops uncovered three stolen mini diggers. Another two were seized from the HGV in Wath.
Dangerous Driving and a Dead Giveaway
The HGV carrying the diggers was a legal and safety nightmare. It displayed a ‘74’ plate that didn’t match the vehicle’s condition, had its roof chopped off to squeeze in the machines, and was heavily overloaded. Officers say other truck drivers likely spotted excavator arms sticking well above the vehicle’s height.
Police warn motorists, especially lorry drivers, to watch out for suspicious vehicles showing strange damage or odd modifications. The HGV was last seen parked with curtains closed on Brookfields Way, Wath upon Dearne. Authorities urge anyone who saw the vehicle travelling between Nottingham and Rotherham on 16 November to come forward.
Police Appeal: Speak Up About Suspicious Vehicles
The stolen mini diggers have been forensically examined and returned to their owners. South Yorkshire Police urge anyone with information to contact them through their website, live chat, or by calling 101. Quote incident number 817 of 16 November 2025 when reporting.
