Thieves steal Caterpillar excavator used for Yan Yean Road works

Police were left scratching their heads after thieves managed to steal a 5.5 tonne excavator in Plenty — now the hunt is on to catch the crooks and find the machinery.

The stolen excavator was being used in upgrade works at Yan Yean Rd and was stored at a nearby facility in Plenty.

Police are searching for a 5.5 tonne excavator after thieves raided an equipment storage facility in Plenty overnight between May 5 and May 6.

The valuable piece of Caterpillar machinery, which was being used for nearby road upgrade works, was stolen from 75 Yan Yean Rd.

Heidelberg detective Senior Constable Cameron Robinson said he was surprised thieves would attempt to steal such a bulky load.

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He said the crooks drove the excavator through dirt and then offloaded it onto another vehicle waiting at Sutherland Rd.

“We’ve spoken with nearby businesses and residents, but the trouble is because of all the road works going on in the area, trucks and machinery moving through the area is normal and wouldn’t raise any eyebrows,” he said.

Police are searching for this Caterpillar excavator, stolen overnight between May 5 and May 6.

The model of the Caterpillar excavator is 305.5D.

Anybody who has information should phone Heidelberg criminal investigation unit on 9450 8125 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.