Thieves target tools in string of Toowoomba burglaries

The community group has raised thousands of dollars for Toowoomba charities but their work has been put on hold after thieves stole the generator that powered their heartfelt activities.

Toowoomba and District Woodcrafters (from left) Ez Bay, Ron Dangerfield and Kerry Smith cutting slabs that are sold to fund their charitable activities. This endeavour has been put on hold after thieves stole the club’s generator.

The Toowoomba and District Woodcrafters group must face the difficult task of scraping together $5000 to replace a Makinex 10KVA generator that was stolen by heartless thieves on Saturday evening.

Club president Dale Logan said it appeared the thieves broke a padlock to gain access to a storage shed then dragged the heavy generator out on two planks of wood.

They also stole a brush cutter used to clear grass from around the storage sheds.

Mr Logan said the generator powered the club’s slab cutting bench that was integral to its operation.

“Nearly all the timber we use comes in as logs, donated by the Toowoomba Regional Council or the tree cutters,” he said.

“We use a chainsaw to break those logs down and a slab bench to clean them up.”

Almost everything the clubs makes – from boxes, to tables, clocks and cutting boards – uses timber processed using the slab bench.

“Part of the revenue to run the club comes from selling these slabs to backyard builders to makes tables and other things,” Mr Logan said.

“But they won’t buy them rough because they won’t have the facilities to smooth them out.”

There were several minor burglaries at other showground buildings on the same night, Mr Logan said.

Losing the generator is a big hit for the club but Mr Logan hopes someone in the public will recognise it.

“It was a custom Makinex generator, with 3-phase power,” he said.

“It’s not something you can just walk in and buy.”

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said officers were aware of the break in and were investigating.

Anyone who sees this model of generator or has knowledge of the break in should phone Policelink on 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Thieves target tools in string of Toowoomba burglaries