Police are looking for information about this excavator, which was stolen from a Hallam storage yard in May.By Callan Date
OWNERS of heavy machinery and agricultural equipment are being urged to take the same precautions with the property as they would with their car.
Victoria Police has issued the request after more than five million dollars of machinery was stolen in Victoria during the last financial year.
Thefts in Casey have been high, with the Hallam Industrial Area a hot spot for thieves.
An excavator was stolen from a Hallam storage yard in May this year.
The machinery was on a white 1992 Toyota tray truck, which was also stolen. The property is valued at a total of $33,000.
Another Hallam business had just under $100,000 of machinery stolen late last year.
On that occasion an uninsured truck and bobcat was stolen from the Hallam factory of Morgan Concrete Developments.
Several more thefts of machinery have also occurred in the Casey region.
Senior Constable Brett Florence of the Organised Motor Vehicle Theft Squad said it was incredible that people seem to take more care with a $30,000 motor vehicle than with a piece of machinery valued at over $100,000.
“It is essential that the owners of heavy machinery and agricultural equipment keep thorough and up-to-date records of all equipment they own,” Sen Const Florence said.
“This includes farm vehicles such as motorcycles and quad bikes, which also have a low rate of recovery at just 19 per cent.
“They also need to ensure the equipment is stored securely when not in use so that opportunistic thieves don’t see it as an invitation to steal. Most units are stolen on-site or near the owner’s premises.
“Owners should record the VIN, engine number and any other identifying feature of the equipment and store this information in a safe place.
“They should also take photos of the equipment and keep this on file should anything ever happen.
“The reality is that it may never be needed; however, if the time comes when the machinery is stolen then that information is easily at hand for police,” he said.
There were 144 reported machinery thefts in Victoria in 2006.
Once the equipment has been stolen, it may be transported interstate for sale and stolen units from other states are also being brought into Victoria for sale.
“Police are aware of incidents where stolen machinery such as bobcats have been sold on to building sites at a very cheap price, worked into the ground, then dismantled and formed part of the foundations of the car park of the building site,” Sen Const Florence said.
“It is estimated at this time that there is still over $2.7 million of stolen machinery in the community and it is a matter of working in partnership with owners to reduce this figure.
“Preventing the theft in the first instance is equally as important as having the right information if you do become a victim of theft.”
Anyone with any information regarding the theft of agricultural equipment or heavy machinery is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
