A Bobcat two-tonne digger was stolen from a property on Stanley Rd in Gisborne, Novel Zealand, between Friday, February 6 and Monday, February 9, police reported. The theft is one in a series of burglaries targeting businesses and a high school in the area, prompting increased calls for security measures.
Police are appealing for information regarding the digger, stating, “There’s no doubt someone has seen the valuable digging machinery or knows about the burglary,” according to a Facebook post from Eastern District Police. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 105, quoting file number 260209/9159.
The incidents extend beyond the theft of the construction equipment. Gisborne Girls’ High School has been targeted in four burglaries over the past year, according to Inspector Bryan Smith, police area prevention manager for Tairāwhiti. In January, a hole was cut in the school fence, and a mountain bike and fuel were stolen (file 260129/5185). Earlier, in December 2025, wheels were stolen from a trailer on school grounds (file 251211/9125), and in March 2025, a bike was stolen from outside the school (file 250312/1513). Most recently, in February, a garden shed was broken into, and tools, including a lawn mower and line trimmer, were taken (file 260207/4448).
The school shared a list of stolen items with the community, requesting vigilance for the items appearing online or through word of mouth. The list includes a De Walt battery line trimmer, a De Walt 9 amp/hour battery, a Stihl petrol blower, a Stihl FS45 line trimmer, a Stihl pole saw attachment for FS45, a Stihl RMA 510 battery mower, a Stihl AP300 battery, a Stihl battery charger, two 20-litre red plastic petrol cans, a 10-litre red plastic petrol can, a 5-litre red plastic petrol can, and a Giant Cypress men’s hybrid bike, black.
A burglary was also reported at Busy Bees on Wellington St, which runs alongside Gisborne Girls’ High School, on January 28. Police reported that used copper was taken from the premises, but CCTV footage yielded no leads. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Prior to these incidents, the club experienced an earlier, unreported burglary involving the theft of two vacuum cleaners approximately one month before the February 4-5 break-in. Bryan Smith, identified as Callahan in reports, stated he contacted the police and added a chain and lock to the door. He is also arranging for security cameras to be installed. “I shouldn’t have to do that, you know,” Smith said.
Inspector Smith advised property owners and landlords to ensure their properties are secure, recommending quality locks, sufficient exterior lighting, and functioning CCTV systems. He also encouraged residents to report suspicious activity, get to know their neighbours, and consider joining neighbourhood watch schemes.