Thieves target excavators and Landcruisers

Excavators and Landcruisers were the target of thieves in the Baw Baw police area last week.
A Stihl trailer with a Kubota mini excavator, valued at $60,000, were stolen from a Drouin driveway in an afternoon theft.
Police said the theft occurred on Monday, August 12 between 3pm and 4pm in Ruffels St.
The trailer has a distinctive orange guard and was fitted with a tow ball lock.
On the same afternoon, a Ford Ranger ute and excavator were stolen from Howitt St, Warragul.
Police said the owner was working at Logan Park when the theft occurred at about 5pm.
The stolen ute was followed by a friend who observed it being dumped on the side of the Princes Fwy at Bunyip.
The offender allegedly left in what was believed to be a white Toyota Landcruiser Prado.
Police said the theft of two Toyota Landcruisers in Warragul on Thursday morning have been linked.
A white 2016 Toyota Landcruiser Prado was reported stolen from the Warragul Railway Station carpark in Alfred St between 7am and 3pm.
The vehicle, with registration plates "AIS 066", was locked. Police said the owner still has the keys.
In addition, a black 2018 Toyota Landcruiser was stolen from Tarwin St between 6.30am and 8.25am.
The vehicle, with registration plates "AVF 954", was parked in the vicinity of Abbey Gardens Aged Care. It also was locked.
The two vehicles were captured travelling in tandem on the Princes Fwy at Longwarry, heading west, at 10.15am that morning.