West Lothian wind farm digger worth more than £30,000 stolen as police launch appeal

A digger has been stolen from a wind farm building site in West Lothian.

Police said the 3.5 tonne JCB 8026 class excavator vanished from Pearie Law between Thursday, April 28 and Monday, May 2 while maintenance work on the project was under way.

The machinery – thought to be worth upwards of £30,000 – has not been seen since leaving the farm in the West Calder area near Livingston.

The yellow mini-digger is widely used in the construction industry and is capable of a dig-depth of over three metres.

Pearie Law wind farm, managed by EDF renewables, was commissioned in 2017 and boasts six 125-metre high turbines.

Officers have asked anyone with information on the location of the digger to come forward and share it with police immediately in order to locate the machinery.

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “Between 5pm on Thursday, April 28 and 12.25pm on Monday, May 2, 2022, a JCB 8026 excavator was taken from Pearie Law Wind Farm.

“The 3.5 tonne piece of machinery is valued at around £30,000.

“Anyone who may have seen a large piece of machinery like this being transported in the area between Thursday evening and Monday lunchtime is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1721 of May 2.

“Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”