By Kath Gannaway
Warragul police are investigating the theft of diesel fuel and tools from the Blue Vein logging coupe near Powelltown.
Contractors discovered the theft of around 1500 litres of diesel fuel and a swag of between 40 and 50 tools, estimated to be worth $5000, when they arrived at the site on Tuesday, 7 February.
A quantity of fuel, which is highly flammable, was also drained onto the surrounding ground.
Detective Senior Constable Justine Prestidge said it was believed the theft took place sometime between Friday, 3 February and Tuesday, 7 February while the site was unattended.
Members of the Morwell Crime Scene Investigation Unit have also gathered evidence at the site.
Detectice Sen Const Prestidge said the coupe was accessible, being around five kilometres off the Powelltown-Noojee Road, near the Ada Tree.
He said a person originally arrested over the theft had been exonerated, and police are following another avenue of inquiry.
VicForests general manager, Lachlan Spencer, said the theft and diesel contamination had left significant damage to the environment.
“We are working to clean up the 2000 litres of fuel that was dumped on the ground,” he told the Mail last week.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Warragul Police on 5622 7152, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au .
