Six arrested over plant theft conspiracy

Six men have been arrested for conspiracy to handle hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of plant vehicles.

The thefts from Essex, London and the Home Counties occurred between 2000 and 2004. The arrests follow a four-month covert police operation by the Essex Police Crime Squad.

Robert Apps, 22, and Billy Berman, 24, from east London have been charged with conspiracy and appeared at Grays Magistrates Court on 11 May.  A 58-year-old man has been released on bail until July.

Paul Grainger, 48, Barry Granger, 23, and Barry's father Barry, 57, all appeared at Harlow Magistrates Court on 12 May charged with conspiracy to steal heavy plant. They remain in custody prior to an appearance at Basildon Crown Court this Monday.