Diggers smashed in £300k vandal attack in Chorley

Six offenders entered Common Bank Industrial Estate and drove the diggers, smashing machinery at Ruttle Plant Hire at about 8am on Sunday, April 29.

CCTV images captured of the incident show the six individuals entering the secure compound in Ackhurst Road from the direction of Yarrow Valley Woods.

All offenders, believed to be aged between 11 and 14, entered and activated a number of diggers with extendable arms which have large metal scoop buckets attached.

They then proceeded to use the diggers and cause extensive damage to large excavators by smashing the metal buckets into the cabs of the plant hire machinery.

The cost of the damage currently stands at £300,000 and is rising.

Chorley police constable Amanda Armson said: “This mindless, reckless damage to property belonging to the business will have a huge impact, not only on the business that owns the machines, but other businesses who they supply in the area.

“I would urge anyone with any information to get in touch.”

Two of the suspects are described as white males with a slim build. One male is approximately 5ft-1 in height and the second male is approximately 4ft-9 in height.

At the time of the incident both suspects were wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and dark coloured hooded tops with a small white emblem on the front.

If you have any information relating to this crime, contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting crime reference SC1803635