A POLICE helicopter was used to find a hiding place used by thieves to store a caravan and trailer which they had stolen on earlier that day.

On Sunday, a report was made to officers following the theft of a high-value trailer from an address in Oswaldtwistle.

It was reported the offenders had arrived in a Land Rover, hooking the trailer onto the vehicle and making off from the scene.

Around 1.45pm, police received a further report of a caravan being stolen from land in Darwen.

The offenders had removed a Swift Challenger caravan, again using a Land Rover vehicle.

Tactical Operations officers deployed to the area and with support from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) Helicopter, attended a site in Bolton where the trailer, caravan and Land Rover were found.

The trailer and caravan were recovered and brought back to Lancashire, with officers from Greater Manchester Police seizing the Land Rover, which had been reported as stolen.

Temp Supt Phil Hutchinson, of Lancashire Police, said: “This was an excellent result and showed fantastic teamwork from our officers, NPAS and our police communications officers in helping to recover two high-value stolen items.

“The rapid response helped to find both the trailer and caravan, ensuring no further criminality. While we have not made any arrests, enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances around the thefts, alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Police. “Well done to all those involved.”