Packages containing GPS systems worth nearly £2k were stolen after being sent from a post office in Maidenhead.

American customers reported opening packages of cat food six days after expecting their new technology.

Following an investigation by the Thames Valley Police Rural Crime Taskforce, two stolen GPS systems were returned to their owner after being listed on eBay.

The two systems, worth £915 each were sent to customers on October 18. 

Following the news that the packages had been interfered with, the victim found the GPS systems on sale on eBay on October 31.

Rural Crime Taskforce officers visited him three days later and took a statement.

Then on November 10, officers found the stolen GPS systems in the Aylesbury area and arrested a 44-year-old man from the same area on suspicion of handling stolen goods, who was given a conditional caution.

The officers then returned the stolen GPS systems to the victim the following day.

Investigating officer PC Huw Kime, of the Rural Crime Taskforce, said: “GPS systems are invaluable to farmers and rural businesses and their thefts are a national issue at the moment.

“So we are proud of the fact that we were able to retrieve these stolen GPS systems just eight days after taking the victim’s statement.

“We worked hard to investigate this so it is pleasing to bring it to a successful conclusion.

“The Rural Crime Taskforce is committed to tackling serious and acquisitive crime affecting our countryside communities.”