DOZENS of stolen machines and tools were found during a police raid to catch burglary suspects.

Officers with a search warrant went to a property in Cross-in-Hand near Heathfield last month in a rural crime crackdown.

They found more than 50 stolen items, including a mini digger, a tractor, a caravan, and an industrial wood chipper at the site.

There were also stolen chainsaws, lawn mowers, trimmers and leaf blowers.

Now police are looking to track down the rightful owners, many of whom have already been found.

Detective Chief Inspector Alasdair Henry, Wealden district commander, said: “This warrant is the culmination of extensive work by officers investigating burglaries and thefts of tools and machinery from farms in the rural areas as part of Operation Atlanta.

“This operation has helped us develop intelligence on criminals operating across Sussex and the wider south east region.

“Thefts of power tools and machinery such as this have a devastating financial and emotional impact on victims as it often affects their jobs and livelihoods.

“To recover more than 50 tools and machinery was a fantastic result and we are in touch with many of the rightful owners to get these items returned to them in due course.

“Our work continues now to find those people responsible for these crimes and hold them accountable for their actions.”

Anyone who recognises any of the items pictured, or who may have any other information that could help with the investigation, is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 247 of 27/10.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue reporting crime and suspicious behaviour to police, so officers can build a picture of crime in the area and respond effectively.

People are also urged to take photographs and note down details and serial numbers of their high-value items.

Visit our website for more information on how to keep your outbuildings secure and to seek free crime prevention surveys.