A significant haul of heavy-duty construction machinery was stolen during a meticulously planned burglary in Yeovil, causing concern among local businesses and residents.
Between 4:30pm on Saturday, February 28 and 7pm on Sunday, March 1, a group of offenders broke into a builders' merchants site on Hendford Hill, making off with numerous valuable pieces of equipment. Avon and Somerset Police revealed that the theft was orchestrated by two suspects who scouted the location early on the morning of February 28, between 7:20am and 7:30am, before returning with accomplices the following day.
On March 1, between 4:30pm and 7pm, the group loaded a large, blue-curtained full-size HGV lorry with the stolen machinery and departed the site via Lysander Road. A small, dark vehicle was also seen following the lorry onto the premises, potentially assisting in the operation.
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Police are conducting a thorough investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness statements. Authorities are urging anyone who was in the vicinity during the times of the break-in, especially those who may have seen multiple individuals entering or leaving the site, to come forward with information. They are particularly interested in drivers traveling along Hendford Hill, Lysander Road, and nearby routes who might have dashcam footage from those times.
Neighbourhood Inspector Rose Green expressed understanding of the community’s concerns, stating, “This was a sophisticated and organised high-value burglary. We want to reassure residents and businesses that we are working tirelessly to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. Any piece of information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be crucial to our investigation.”
Members of the public can report information by contacting Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference 5226057948, or through the police’s online appeals form. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or via their online anonymous reporting service. Crimestoppers guarantees confidentiality and that callers will not be required to speak directly with the police or appear in court.