In recent days, several heavy construction equipment, including skid steers, have been stolen from businesses in the Victor Valley area of California. The latest recovery took place this week when a skid steer was successfully retrieved from Coalinga. This marks the fourth recovery of the same type of stolen vehicle reported in less than a week, according to authorities.
On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Victor Valley Station were called to investigate the theft of a skid steer from Apex Rentals in Hesperia. The sheriff’s department collaborated with the California Highway Patrol and issued an alert to keep an eye out for the stolen vehicle.
On Friday, May 10, three pieces of construction equipment were recovered during a theft investigation that took place in Pinion Hills. The stolen skid steer was found off Highway 5 north of Jayne Avenue in Coalinga and returned to Apex Rentals in Hesperia. However, no further details about the recovery were disclosed at that time.
This particular incident was one of four cases involving stolen skid steers that occurred within less than a week in the Victor Valley area. Another case involved investigators from the Sheriff’s Victor Valley Station who retrieved three stolen skid steers from a property in Pinion Hills on May 10th. Two suspects were detained during this operation: one who was wanted for attempted murder in Los Angeles and another who was a registered sex offender. Additionally, drugs and ammunition were seized during the operation.
A follow-up investigation at the Pinion Hills property revealed approximately $20,000 worth of allegedly stolen fencing materials. Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to reach out to the Sheriff’s Victor Valley Station at (760) 552-6800 or provide tips anonymously through We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.
These incidents highlight a growing problem with theft and vandalism affecting heavy construction equipment owners across California’s Central Coast region. It is essential for law enforcement agencies and businesses alike to take action against these types of crimes to protect their assets and maintain public safety on highways and worksites throughout California’s Central Coast region.
