Arborist Craig Birrell’s $70,000 ute nicked during spate of car thefts

Another tradie has come forward to speak up about the string of car thefts that have been plaguing a regional centre after his $70,000 work vehicle was stolen while he slept.

Another tradie has been left to pick up the bill after falling victim to the string of car thefts that have been plaguing the Mount Gambier region.

Craig Birrell, 32, discovered his $70,000 ute had been stolen from his property just before 10pm when he had woken up to find it missing.

The 2021 Nissan Navara was taken from his Mount Gambier home on May 22, with thieves managing to start the car without stealing Mr Brirell’s keys.

To buy a replacement work vehicle, Mr Birrell said he has had to dip into his business to withdraw $30,000.

“It's a disruption to my business and my staff,” he said.

“A couple of my staff haven’t gone to work for two, three days last week — it’s obviously affected them and their income, it’s affected my income.

“It isn‘t just the theft, it’s created a backlog of other problems I’ve got to deal with.”

Arborist Craig Birrell's $70,000 ute was stolen from his house late at night while he slept. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Unfortunately, having prepped the ute the night before for an early morning job, Mr Birrell lost not only his ute, but roughly $15,000 worth of tools and equipment.

“Luckily, we've had a few businesses step in and help us out with chainsaws and power tools … stuff like that,” he said.

Mr Birrell said so far, of the cars that have been stolen, his is the only one that has not turned up burnt out.

On May 30, Kyle Maney’s $70,000 2022 Ford Ranger was stolen and taken on a four-hour joy ride, before it was left abandoned and a smouldering wreck.

The 19-year-old was left devastated by the loss and fears he will be without a vehicle for the next 12 months.

“I haven’t had it for long — to finally get a nice car and then for someone to have a four-hour joy ride and then burn it — I’ll have to start again — it’s a bit devastating,” he said.

The burnt-out car was abandoned at a Suttontown Rd property about 10.20pm with MFS crews and police on scene shortly to help manage the blaze.

Kyle Maney's $70,000 Ford Next Gen Ranger was left a, burnt-out wreck after it was stolen from a construction worksite, adjacent to the Mount Gambier Police Station. Picture: Supplied.

After receiving a call from a friend, Mr Maney arrived on the scene where he was forced to watch his beloved car go up in smoke.

“When we got there it was alight — and there was explosions going off,” he said.

“It was originally parked right on top of the property’s driveway — then there was this big bang and it must have blown the handbrake as it then started rolling backwards and crashed into the fence.”

Kyle Maney's $70,000 Ford Next Gen Ranger was left a, burnt-out wreck after it was stolen from a construction worksite, adjacent to the Mount Gambier Police Station. Picture: Supplied.

Nick Skrinnikoff’s driveway has been left with melted bitumen, shattered glass and a destroyed fence.

South Australian Police have refused the reveal how many cars have been reported stolen.

For nearly a week the burned out wreck of a four-wheel-drive has been sitting overturned in Mount Gambier’s Corriedale Park.

“Limestone Coast Police are investigating several reports of car theft in the Mount Gambier area over the past week, including a car that was set alight in Corriedale Park,” a police spokesman said.

“Police urge owners to review and Increase car key security to reduce opportunities for theft of vehicles,” a police spokesman said.

“Anyone with information about any of these thefts is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”