Machinery theft a blow

By Kath Gannaway
MICHAEL Anderson has had machinery stolen before, but the theft of a 15-tonne traxcavator from Kinglake in August has floored him.
Mr Anderson and one of his employees were among the first to volunteer their services on the Monday following the fires and he has had work since working for DSE.
When he was approached recently to do a ‘love job’ he didn’t hesitate, fitting it in between jobs.
“It is particularly disheartening to have it taken from a job you are doing on a voluntary basis,” said Mr Anderson, who is a former resident of the devastated town.
Police last week appealed for any information that might lead them to the thieves.
The machine, with “Michael Anderson Earth Moving” on both doors, was stolen between Friday 14 and Monday 17 August. Detective Senior Constable Maree Bowman of the Alexandra CIU said the theft would have been planned.
“This is more than an opportunistic crime. There would need to have been some pre-planning,” she said.
“Whoever was removing it would have needed a low-loader truck or trailer,” she said.
Mr Anderson is hoping, but not counting on getting the machine back.
“I’ve been up here since day one and there are still machines everywhere. No-one is going to bat an eyelid at a tractor going up or down,” he said.
Police also called for residents to report suspicious behaviour in the area as rebuilding takes place, putting in place a system where residents can lodge an “suspicious incident report”.
Mr Anderson supported the move.
“With so much brand new equipment in the area, you’ve got crooks coming up from Melbourne using it like a supermarket, taking what they want,” he said.
But he also called for more police and a 24-hour police station so police could carry out patrols.
Anyone with information about the stolen traxcavator is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.