Logsplitter theft a 'boot in the gut'

Determined thieves broke through three gates to steal a logsplitter 200m up a farm driveway off SH3 near Whangaehu.

The machine belongs to father and son John and Jared Fletcher, who have run a firewood business for the past three months.

It is a valuable piece of machinery, and the two men are offering a reward for its return.

John Fletcher found the logsplitter had been taken about 10.30am on Saturday. It had been unhooked from the four-wheel-drive vehicle it was attached to - the vehicle was pushed into a fence - and towed away. A padlocked gate had been cut through and two others were left open, allowing stock to wander.

Mr Fletcher said he "nearly cried" when he discovered the theft. "This isn't some random, opportunistic thing - someone has planned to do this."

Mr Fletcher did not want to say the value of the logsplitter, but he said it was worth a lot of money as it was one of a kind.

"It's a big, blue tractor motor on wheels, with a drawbar on the front. On the back is a hydraulic ram with a table around it. It's very distinctive."

The machine is used to cut down wood after it has been roughly cut with a chainsaw.

Jared Fletcher said the theft was a "boot in the gut".

"But we're not going to let this stop us," he said.

•If you have any information about the logsplitter, please contact Wanganui Police on [06] 349 0600, or Jared Fletcher on 027 3370725.