Merseyside Police are conducting an investigation into two separate thefts of mini diggers in St Helens and Liverpool, which authorities believe were targeted operations. An appeal has been issued for public assistance, including any available CCTV or dashcam footage, to help identify those responsible for stealing the specialised construction machinery.
Key Takeaways
- Two mini diggers were stolen in separate incidents in St Helens on August 13 and in Broadgreen, Liverpool, more recently.
- Merseyside Police believe the thefts were specifically targeted due to the specialised nature of the equipment.
- A white Mitsubishi pick-up truck with a plant trailer was used in the Liverpool theft, last seen heading towards the M62.
- Authorities are urging residents and drivers to check dashcam, CCTV, and doorbell footage from the areas at the time of the incidents.
First Incident Reported in St Helens
The first of the two thefts occurred in St Helens on Tuesday, 13 August. According to police reports, a mini digger was taken from a location on Canal Street shortly before 10:00 BST.
Initial inquiries suggest the thieves used a loader truck to remove the heavy machinery from the site. The specific model and value of the stolen digger have not been publicly released, but the method used indicates a degree of planning and access to appropriate transport.
Investigators are currently reviewing local surveillance footage and seeking information from businesses and residents in the Canal Street area who may have noticed unusual activity that morning.
The Challenge of Plant Machinery Theft
The theft of construction and agricultural machinery, often referred to as plant theft, is a significant issue for law enforcement and businesses. Stolen equipment is often sold on the black market, either domestically or shipped abroad, where it can be difficult to trace. These vehicles often lack the same level of security and tracking features found in modern cars, making them attractive targets for organised criminal groups.
Second Digger Stolen in Broadgreen, Liverpool
The second theft took place in the early hours of Thursday in the Broadgreen area of Liverpool. At approximately 05:00 BST, a mini digger was stolen from Lingfield Road.
Witnesses reported seeing two males loading the digger onto a plant trailer. The trailer was attached to a distinctive white Mitsubishi pick-up truck. This vehicle was then seen driving along Queens Drive before entering the M62 motorway, heading in the direction of Sefton.
The early morning timing suggests the perpetrators aimed to operate under the cover of darkness, minimising the chances of being seen. Police are particularly interested in any footage capturing the white Mitsubishi pick-up truck in the vicinity of Broadgreen or along its subsequent route.
The Cost of Equipment Theft
According to industry reports, the theft of construction equipment costs the UK economy millions of pounds each year. Beyond the replacement cost of the machinery itself, these crimes lead to project delays, increased insurance premiums, and significant disruption for construction companies, many of which are small to medium-sized businesses.
Police Believe Thefts Were 'Targeted'
Merseyside Police have stated their belief that both incidents were deliberate and targeted attacks, not opportunistic crimes. The nature of the stolen items—specialised mini diggers—and the need for specific vehicles to transport them support this assessment.
"We believe the thefts were targeted as it was specialised machinery which was stolen and they had the means to be able to transport them away," said Inspector Sophie Smith of Merseyside Police.
This statement highlights that the criminals likely had prior knowledge of the equipment's location and possessed the logistical capability to move it quickly and efficiently. Such operations often involve scouting locations in advance and having a plan for disposing of the stolen goods.
Urgent Appeal for Public Information
In an effort to advance the investigation, Merseyside Police have released an image of one of the stolen diggers and are making a direct appeal to the public for information. They are asking anyone who was in the areas of Canal Street, St Helens, or Lingfield Road, Liverpool, at the times of the thefts to come forward.
Inspector Smith emphasised the potential value of footage from personal recording devices.
"For both thefts I urge people who were in the area to check their dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage to see if they may have captured something which may be vital to the investigation. Any information, no matter how small, could be vital."
Authorities are encouraging residents to review their footage for anything that might seem out of place, particularly sightings of a loader truck in St Helens on the morning of August 13 or the white Mitsubishi pick-up in Liverpool on the recent Thursday morning.
How You Can Help
Members of the public with any information are asked to contact Merseyside Police. Here are the key details investigators are looking for:
- St Helens Incident (Aug 13, before 10:00 BST): Any sightings of a loader truck or unusual activity on or near Canal Street.
- Liverpool Incident (Recent Thursday, around 05:00 BST): Any sightings of a white Mitsubishi pick-up truck with a plant trailer in the Broadgreen, Queens Drive, or M62 areas.
- General Information: Any details about individuals or groups offering second-hand construction machinery for sale under suspicious circumstances.
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police by calling 101 or by reaching out to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.