5000 reward offered for stolen machinery

A €5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the return of a €60,000 digger and a trailer.

The Hitachi 130 Zaxis digger, complete with a 6ft bucket and exceptionally large bog tracks, was stolen from McDonalds peat bog in Kilmurray, Tullamore over the bank holiday weekend.

The theives, who are thought to have struck on between 9am and 4pm on Monday, also stole a twin axle Chieftan machinery trailer.

Distinctive with its wide bog tracks, the digger is orange in colour with a grey cab and spotlights. The tractor-drawn trailer is red and has foldable loading ramps.

McDonald International, who own the machinery, are offering a €5,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of all of the equipment.

It’s not the first time the company has been targeted by theives. A driveshaft was also stolen from a New Holland tractor in recent weeks, a company spokeswoman revealed.

Gardai are appealing to anyone with information to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 93 27600.