Excavator thieves lead police on chase

TWO males have been charged with numerous driving offences after stealing construction machinery and trying to evade arrest inside the Riverland yesterday.

Police received information that an excavator had been stolen from a worksite on Twentyfirst Street, in Renmark, around 8am on Monday, April 4.

Inquiries revealed a gold Holden Captiva had been seen in the area at the time of the theft, and a short time later the excavator was located on Kingston Road, at Pyap.

The gold Holden Captiva was then spotted in Waikerie and was pursued by police, with a helicopter tracking the vehicle on the Sturt Highway at Blanchetown.

The vehicle stopped 5km east of Truro where the occupants tried to run from the area, however, they were apprehended by police patrols.

The pair, a 45-year-old man from Ingle Farm, and a 46-year-old man of no fixed address, were arrested and charged with the theft of the excavator, dangerous driving to escape a police pursuit, driving while being disqualified and failing to comply with bail conditions.

It is understood both men were refused bail and appeared before the Elizabeth Magistrates Court yesterday.