JOINT efforts by neighbouring police forces have led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man suspected of stealing tools from a North Swindon building site last weekend.

At some time between November 15 and 16, access was gained to the Tadpole Farm construction site and a number of items, including disc cutters and a trench wacker, were taken.

Working in collaboration with Wiltshire Police, information led officers from Gloucestershire to conduct a search of a house in Stroud yesterday and the items were located inside.

At the same time the 29-year-old occupant was arrested on suspicion of theft as the tools found matched those which had been taken.

Wiltshire Police said this incident was one of many cases where forces need to work collaboratively across borders.

“A man found with items stolen from a North Swindon building site has been arrested by Gloucestershire Police,” said a spokesman.

“Disc cutters and a trench wacker were taken from contractors at Tadpole Farm this weekend.

“However a 29-year-old man has been arrested for handling stolen goods after the tools were found during a search at an address in Stroud.

“As we are so close to the A419 we often work in conjunction with Gloucestershire officers to trace offenders who travel between the two counties to carry out crimes, enabling both forces to solve crimes, arrest offenders, and make sure that stolen items are returned to their rightful owners.”

Officers are continuing to appeal for any information about the thefts, especially if any suspicious activity was seen around the Tadpole Farm site, including vehicles or trespassers, through last weekend.

“This inquiry is ongoing and it would be very helpful is anyone saw anything suspicious on the Tadpole Farm site over the weekend of November 15 and 16 if they would contact us, particularly any vehicles seen hanging around or people spotted on the site,” added the spokesman.

Anyone with information should contact non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 102985, or alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.