Digger crims out of site
ANGRY business owner Lloyd Miller has turned vigilante to find the thieves who wrecked his excavators during a worksite heist.
Mr Miller said he was losing $1000 a day after thieves destroyed his digger and broke the bucket on his Bobcat while stealing a subcontractor’s generator and another machine at a Jacobs Well housing estate worksite this month.
Police said they were investigating the complaint but a frustrated Mr Miller has taken matters into his own hands.
The Helensvale tradesman said he drove through the suburbs of the northern Gold Coast at night and visited pubs during the State of Origin last week to try and find the perpetrator.
“I’ve had all my machines locked up,” he said.
“(They’ve) basically destroyed my digger and destroyed the bucket on my Bobcat.
“Every time I work out here someone steals or damages my equipment.
“Now I’ve got information and people who can identify people.”
The father of two young children has borrowed a digger to continue working but said the incident had hit him in the hip pocket.
“I’m losing $1000 a day because they’ve come in and destroyed my gear,” he said.
“I’ve got insurance but that (the destruction) is what hurts me more. It’s had a great effect on my life.”
Mr Miller said in six years, five pieces of his machinery had been damaged or stolen on worksites.
“It’s the principle. I’m a very, very small business.”
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said police were appealing to the public for information.
“Police are continuing to actively and thoroughly investigate this matter,” she said.
“Forensic and scientific officers have conducted investigations at the scene.
“Police are appealing for anyone who might have seen anyone acting suspiciously around the area between 3.30pm on July 6, 2017 and 6.30am on July 10, 2017 to contact Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000).”