Rural crime officers had been attending both days of the show with their crime awareness stand but swung into action after the green John Deere mower, which is one of those used by the volunteer show team to keep the showground trimmed, was reported stolen at around 3.30am on Sunday morning.
In an update on their X and Facebook social media feeds, the Rural Crime team said: “There was also mention of a local resident seeing a ride on mower being driven through the village from the show site at 3am yesterday morning (Sunday). The driver was wearing a balaclava. This was reported on 999 and an area search was carried out by officers.
“Within a couple of hours following an extensive foot search, these two officers have got their steps in and found it hidden in woodland clearly awaiting the criminals coming back to dispose of it on a later date.
“This has been recovered to the site and is now secure.”
A grateful show chairman Charles Pinchbeck said: “By lunchtime the police rural crime team had retrieved our mower and brought it back.
"I believe they are following up various lines of enquiry.
"A huge thanks to the officers of the rural crime team.”
1. stolen heck show mower 3.jpg
Officers recovered the missing mower and brought it back to the Heckington Showground. Photo: LRCAT Photo: LRCAT
2. stolen heck show mower 2.jpg
Officers aboard the recovered mower. Photo: LRCAT Photo: LRCAT