Murray River Police release CCTV footage of Kubota excavator stolen from a Riverina business

CCTV footage of the excavator attached to a Holden Colorado utility has been released. Photo: NSW Police.

Murray River Police have released CCTV footage as they continue to investigate the theft of heavy machinery near Albury.

Police said officers attached to Murray River Police District were called to a business on Catherine Crescent, Lavington, about 6 km southeast of Albury, following reports an excavator had been stolen at about 3:15 am on Saturday, 9 March.

Murray River officers attended the scene and seized CCTV and commenced an investigation into the incident.

A 1.7-tonne orange-and-black Kubota excavator and trailer worth $100,000 stolen was from a business in Lavington. Photo: NSW Police.

The machiner stolen was a 1.7-tonne orange-and-black Kubota excavator and trailer worth $100,000.

As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV footage of a vehicle they are seeking to identify.

Police want to speak to the occupants of the vehicle or anyone who may have seen a grey/blue Holden Colorado utility, with the cab described as being a slightly different colour to the tray. Police believe the occupants of the vehicle may be able to assist with this investigation.

Murray Police District Crime Manager Detective Chief Inspector Juay Brown said the theft showed just how easily business owners could be the victims of opportunistic thieves.

“It’s frustrating that someone has stolen valuable equipment vital to the operation of the business, and reinforces our advice to everyone to do everything they can to avoid becoming the target of opportunistic thieves,” Detective Chief Insp Brown said.

“We always advise everyone in the community, residential and business, to ensure homes and businesses are locked and secured.

“If you have a security system make sure it’s turned on, keep an up-to-date property inventory including serial numbers or unique characteristics of the property, and ensure security lights cover main areas around premises, and that fences are sturdy and gates have keylocks,” he said.

Anyone with information or relevant dashcam vision is urged to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.