Thieves target tree doctor

By Sarah Schwager
A CRANBOURNE South tree maintenance company has been left out on a limb.
Power tools worth $10,000 were stolen from the Botanical Tree Surgery Company on Friday night in a theft from the Pearcedale Road property.
Owner Maurie Davis said the thefts would put a financial burden on the company, as not all of the equipment was covered by insurance.
“It’s going to hurt, that’s for sure,” Mr Davis said.
“They’ve taken about a quarter of our chainsaws.”
Tools stolen also included hedge trimmers, blowers and brush cutters, some of which were stolen out of the company’s truck.
Mr Davis, who has been in the business for 25 years, said they had a break-in 13 months ago which was very similar.
“I assume it’s the same people involved.
“They cut a hole in the shed,” he said.
Locks were also broken but have since been repaired.
Mr Davis said when he arrived the next day, he saw a trail of scuff marks from the business to Pearcedale Road.
He asked any witnesses who might have seen a car on the road that night to contact police.
“We’ll be upgrading our security so we’re better armed for next time,” he said.
Mr Davis said the damage to the building was evident and they had to do quite a bit of repair work, including screwing panels back on.
He said a lot of their equipment had been locked away in another shed and so it would not affect their business and productivity.
Mr Davis pleaded for neighbours to report any future suspicious activity.
Any witnesses should contact Detective Senior Constable Ollie Gaspari at Cranbourne CIU on 5995 4577.