WORKS at Echuca South Recreation Reserve had to stop after more than $8000 worth of equipment was stolen at the weekend.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
An 8x5 caged trailer, valued at $3500, a $3500 auger drive and two augers worth $1200 were being used to rebuild the cricket nets when they were taken between Saturday afternoon and this morning.
Louise Brookes said her husband Aaron of Brookes Building Group had been hired by Campaspe Shire Council to carry out the work.
‘‘The trailer had all attachments in it and was locked with a trailer lock behind site fencing, that was also locked,’’ she said.
‘‘My husband left the site early on Friday as his grandmother passed away, and he came back to site today to find it all gone. He’s very upset.
‘‘We hired the auger drive and attachments from a company so I’m not sure what will happen now with that as we will most likely have to replace them, so we’ll be out of pocket.
‘‘The job will also come to a stop now as we were using all the equipment this week.’’
Mrs Brookes said a reward would be offered for the return of these items.
Campaspe Shire regulatory and community services general manager Paul McKenzie said council had been advised the contractor’s equipment had been stolen.
‘‘Investigations are now under way and once the contractor has ascertained what material is missing, needs replacement and availability of materials, we will be able to determine the impacts on the project,’’ he said.
Detective Sergeant Brendon Murphy of Echuca Criminal Investigation Unit said the theft highlighted the desperation and cruelty of offenders operating at the moment.
‘‘It just shows a lack of empathy; taking tradespeople’s tools which are their lifeblood,’’ he said.
Anyone with information can contact police on 54831500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
8°C