Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for witnesses after a joyride resulted in $100,000 worth of damage in Ingliston early Sunday morning.
A 7-tonne knuckle boom was stolen from a worksite on Ironbark Road sometime between 3-7am.
The offender has accessed the expensive piece of machinery and driven it along Ironbark Road, deliberately striking five road signs.
It continued along the road for about 200 metres before the driver purposely crashed into the rail crossing and the driver fled, leaving the boom in the middle of the road.
The damage was discovered later that morning.
Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Simon Kirk said detectives were hoping that someone had seen suspicious behaviour in the area.
“This knuckle boom is very large and travels extremely slowly so we’re hoping someone may have seen it driving in the vicinity of Ironbark Road,” he said.
“We would also like to speak to anyone that may have seen any cars or people hanging around the area acting suspiciously overnight.
“This incident has caused more than $100,000 or damage to the railway crossing and caused delays for train users so we want to find those responsible.”
Detectives have released images of the knuckle boom and damaged railway crossing in the hope someone may have seen the piece of machinery travelling in the area.
Any witnesses, anyone with dash cam or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
