Stolen British tractors turn up Down Under

LONDON - Australian farmers could be using millions of dollars worth of stolen agricultural machines as the result of a bizarre international crime ring.

British investigators believe Aussie farmers have unwittingly bought tractors, excavators and other equipment stolen in Britain and shipped Down Under. Criminal gangs are breaking into British farms and dealerships and organising the shipment of their stolen wares to countries as far away as Australia.

Britain's National Plant and Equipment Register recently traced two JCB excavators worth $104,846 and two John Deere tractors valued at $295,210 to Sydney. Another stolen tractor found in Australia two years ago had a hidden surprise for its new owner - a pistol and box of bullets behind the dashboard.

The Equipment Register believes that's just the tip of the iceberg and wants Australia to step up inspections of imported farm machines.

- AAP