Thieves have cost a business an estimated £100,000 in losses and damage during a major machinery and copper theft at a property near Ballymena.

The premises, on Grenagh Road, Cullybackey, which were being refurbished as part of an agricultural manufacturer’s expansion plans, have been left inoperable.

The raid is believed to have taken place between Friday 9 and Sunday 11 of October.

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Police said thieves cut through several gates, forced entry into buildings and rammed security doors to escape with stolen equipment.

Items taken include a yellow JCB 530-70 telehandler, with the battery located at the doorstep, valued at approximately £15,000, industrial machinery, welding equipment and significant quantities of copper.

The offenders reportedly dismantled a 500kg transformer to remove its copper components, stripped electrical equipment and dug up floors and underground ducts to access copper, leaving extensive damage to the premises’ infrastructure and buildings.

Electrical damage

Several welding machines made by Panasonic, Kemper, Fronius and Yaskawa were also stolen, while another excavator suffered serious electrical damage during an unsuccessful attempt to start it.

Evidence suggests the theft involved considerable planning and a team of people.

The police believe that the incident was more than opportunistic theft when the scale of damage and effort involved was considered.

The owner described the destruction as shocking.

“Looking at everything that’s happened, it looks like a considerable amount of time and effort went into it.

“We want to warn other property owners, farmers and rural businesses to be particularly vigilant. If people are prepared to go to these lengths, it’s extremely concerning.”

Reward

A £4,000 reward is being offered for information leading to both the recovery of stolen machinery and a conviction.

Farmers, businesses and the public are being urged to check CCTV and dashcam footage for suspicious lorries or low-loaders transporting the telehandler after 9 October and to report all suspicious machinery sales.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call or WhatsApp 00447436284168 or contact the PSNI on 101, quoting reference 323 of 20/10/26.

Members of the public are urged not to approach anyone they suspect may be involved.