The arrest follows a warrant carried out by Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team and partner agencies at a site near Wimborne.

Officers worked with the Environment Agency, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service on the operation on the morning of Friday 23 September.

Following enquiries at the site, an estimated £50,000-worth of suspected stolen plant machinery – believed to have been stolen from the Bedfordshire area – was recovered and a 51-year-old Bournemouth man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

Further searches at another address revealed machinery worth around £15,000, believed stolen from the Bristol area.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Environment Agency will also be investigating what is believed to be a significant illegal waste site containing both hazardous and non-hazardous materials as well as other pollutants.

HMRC is investigating offences under the Customs and Excise Management Act relating to fraudulent evasion of excise duty.

“This operation is another example of how we work with our partners to investigate reports of rural crime and take positive action against those believed to be involved,” said PC Kate Schofield, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team. “We recognise the impact this kind of activity has on our rural communities and by sharing intelligence and working with other agencies we are better equipped to take a robust response.

“We are continuing our enquiries into this matter and will be working to ensure that the suspected stolen machinery is returned to the rightful owners.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220155272. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.