AN eagle-eyed volunteer policeman helped return a stolen van to its rightful owner.

The Special Constable spotted a Ford Transit that had been reported stolen being driven on the A38 near Wellington.

The vehicle is now back with its owner in Bampton, while a 33-year-old man from Devon was arrested and has been released on bail.

It was part of an Operation Midas operation overnight last Friday involving a number of police forces clamping down on rural crime.

Avon and Somerset officers ran extended patrols across the countryside and stop-checked vehicles suspected of involvement in rural crime such as fuel, plant equipment, tool and livestock theft.

Of a total of 70 suspect vehicles stopped on the night, six were searched, including two which have resulted in further questioning for their occupants on drugs and weapon offences, and two others which had broken traffic regulations.

And seven members of the rural community got a first-hand view of the operation through ride-alongs with officers.

Avon and Somerset rural crime lead Supt Geoff Wessell said: “This was a brilliant effort by forces across the region to co-operate on crime in our countryside, and I’m pleased with the outcome of Operation Midas.

“A collective approach is vital for tackling rural crime which is why we were also pleased to welcome vehicle crime experts from the NFU on the operation, as well as members of the rural communities on local ride-alongs.

“There will be further concerted action like this over the coming months, in addition to the day-to-day work of the rural crime team and local officers.”

Rural Crime Team Sergeant Stuart Williams said: “We have much more work to do to over the next few weeks following-up the enquiries we made during Op Midas.

“Intelligence about suspicious activities and vehicles is vital for our work as rural officers and so I hope that anyone with information passes it to us by calling 101, or Crimestoppers, so that we can act on it.”