A specialist concrete firm recovered IT and plant equipment worth more than £200,000 through using a stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) device from Tracker.

The thieves loaded up the Chelmsford company’s Ford Transit van with the equipment and once the SVR was activated, Essex Police were able to recover the items within 24 hours.

Clive Wain, head of police liaison for Tracker, said: “While there is security at the location, it is believed the burglary was highly-calculated, most likely masterminded by an organised criminal gang.

“The van was recovered more than 30 miles away in South Ockendon the day after the theft.

“The van was empty, but further enquiries revealed various locations which had been used as drop-off points.

“Search warrants were issued for the areas identified which resulted in uncovering the stashed IT and plant equipment.”