A GUILTY conscience appears to have got the better of thieves who stole a Second World War trailer.


The trailer, which had been in the Bunting family for more than 60 years, was snatched from its home at Carter’s Vineyards in Boxted.


It had been bought by Peter Bunting in about 1945 and was originally used to transport clay pots around the family’s nursery in North Station Road, Colchester.


Owner Ben Bunting said he had no idea how thieves got away with the 15ft trailer because buildings at the vineyards are alarmed.


But a week after it was stolen it has been returned.


Ben noticed the £1,000 trailer behind the tractor barn on Saturday.


He said: “It is extraordinary. I am delighted to be reunited with it.”


Mr Bunting said he believed the culprits had read the article in the Gazette on Thursday and returned the trailer.


The trailer has been securely locked up.


It is used during harvest time to carry crates of grapes.