Caledon Estate are attempting to make a digger “too hot to handle” after it was stolen from their lands over the weekend.
The company – belonging to the Right Honourable Earl of Caledon – is a family-owned farming estate in County Tyrone incorporating renewable energy, an historic herd of red deer and a flock of sheep.
The 13 tonne Hitachi digger belonging to the company was initially believed to have been taken from the Annaghroe Road sometime between 3.30am and 4.30am on the morning of Saturday, May 31.
The digger is described as being “sign-written” on three sides, bearing the “Caledon Estates Company” insignia.
However – after reviewing CCTV footage – the Caledon Estates Company now believe the digger to have travelled on the back of a lorry along the Doogary Road and on to the Monaghan Road in the Drumhillery direction at around 2am on May 31.
Left, the lorry which is also believed to be reported as stolen and right, CCTV footage of the lorry and digger moving through Caledon in the direction of Armagh
CCTV also revealed the lorry and digger to have travelled through Caledon village in the direction of Armagh at 1.52am.
The lorry in question is a yellow, flatbed Scania with the registration SK61 HMU – which is also believed to have been reported as stolen.
The company are now asking the public to help make the stolen property “too hot to handle”, commenting: “Someone will have seen something. Or do you have a Ring doorbell or CCTV facing the road? Please check and reach out.”
Police are appealing for information following the theft. Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 417 31/05/25.
Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
