OFFICERS retrieved stolen machinery within less than an hour after it went missing.

Essex Police received a report of a road roller being snatched from Colchester overnight between Sunday and Monday. 

According to the police, the vehicle was found in Basildon by the Rural Engagement Team and returned to its rightful owner within 45 minutes. 

A spokesman said: “The Rural Engagement Team recovered more than £500,000 worth of stolen plant in the past 6 months across Essex.  

“The team search the county for stolen items and targets organised crime networks that steal these items.”