A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen property.

Wayne Bishop, of Manea, was arrested following the raid by a team of 20 police officers at his home in the village.

Police are continuing to search outbuildings at the house whilst Bishop is questioned at March Police Station on suspicion of stealing or handling stolen plant machinery.

Officers arrived at the house in Station Road, Manea, shortly before 9am with a warrant to search the premises under section 26 of the Theft Act.

It was part of a day of action by Cambs Police to crack down on theft.

“The day will involve patrols, community reassurance and a number of warrants being carried out at properties across the area,” said a police spokesman.

Simultaneous raids took place elsewhere in Fenland and Huntingdonshire including a raid on an address in Huntingdon.

At the Manea address Bishop was arrested after officers found a number of items they believe may have been stolen.

A large bundle of cable belonging to Network Rail is among the items that police believe to have been stolen.

They have also discovered a water bowser and police were waiting to verify its ownership.

Two members of the vehicle examination unit joined the team - led by Sgt Steven Atkins - to scour a number of sheds filled with a wide-range of plant equipment.

During the search police from March, Chatteris and Whittlesey also found people living in caravans behind the bungalow at the 3-5 acre site.

Bill Tilley, planning enforcement officer for Fenland District Council, was also involved with the search and is examining whether some of the raided buildings have been built without planning permission.

Dog handling specialists were also called in but left after finding the Bishops pets securely caged.