FACTORY boss Jim Squires has praised police after £40,000 worth of stolen transformers were recovered in a raid on a travellers’ camp.

The 850kg transformers, which had been returned as scrap metal, were stolen after dark on Sunday November 9 from Tamura Europe Ltd, a factory making electronic components on the Porte Marsh Industrial Estate in Calne.

Fifty-six transformers were among a hoard of more than £500,000 worth of property suspected to be either stolen or used in crime, uncovered by police last Wednesday when officers raided the travellers’ camp close to Cricklade.

Mr Squires, production manager at Tamura, said: “We’ve got our transformers all back, all £40,000 worth. They’re being kept in a secure place off-site.

“The police really stepped up to the play, I’m delighted with them.

“They were very swift and professional and kept me informed all week, I cannot thank them enough.”

A 25-strong team of CID, neighbourhood policing team officers and tri-forces officers last Wednesday also uncovered a catalytic converter processing unit.

Police believe the unit was being used to strip down the converters for their precious metals.

They also seized a significant amount of cash along with a mini digger and a large amount of industrial tools, 14 vehicles including lorries and cars, more than 250 cases of Prosecco and 67 cases of white wine.

So many items were found the police had to block the A419 while they were taken off the site.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “A warrant under the Theft Act was executed at Bournelake Residential site, Cricklade.

“A team of over 25 officers including support from the police dog section searched the site for stolen items.

“The total value of items seized that were either stolen or used in crime is estimated at over £500,000 at this early stage of the investigation. There is potential for this figure to rise significantly as our enquiries progress.”

A 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Detectives are continuing to work with surrounding forces, HM Revenue and Customs and other agencies as part of the investigation.

HMRC seized about 3,000 litres of suspected illicit fuel and nine vehicles said to be running on rebated fuel.

Andrew Burgoyne, senior officer with South West Road Fuel Testing Unit, HMRC, said: “The success of multi-agency working is crucial to tackling fuel fraud.

“Anyone with information about the use, production, storage or sale of illicit fuel should contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”