Tim’s overwhelmed

FARM maintenance contractor

Tim Heather despaired when discovering his mobile business truck had been stripped of power tools last week.

Tools and equipment worth more than $45,000 had been taken overnight from his truck’s storage shed.

But within 48 hours, last year’s Bendigo TAFE apprentice of the year had been overwhelmed with support and assistance from customers and businesses.

The turnaround became even better when police told him on Wednesday that many of the tools had been recovered.

“Every tool and piece of equipment taken is essential to my business and I was left wondering how jobs would get done,” Tim said.

“As people heard about what had happened, there were phone calls coming from everywhere.

“Farmers who get me in to do repairs on their equipment were among the first ... that was really humbling. The support has been simply overwhelming. And firms where I had purchased tools and equipment since starting the business made arrangements for prompt replacement.

“They have all been amazing,” z A 44-year-old man was charged on Wednesday by police with theft and burglary offences.

Tim said as he installed new security cameras at the truck storage shed near Tarnagulla at the weekend to better safeguard equipment.

Tim also praised Loddon police for their investigation of the theft.

Inglewood police arrested the man beside the Calder Highway at Maiden Gully after searching his vehicle and finding allegedly stolen tools and equipment.

The man has been remanded to a future court hearing.

Central Goldfields detectives are continuing investigation of the theft. People with information can contact detectives at Maryborough or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.