Man arrested, $155K farm machinery recovered after police pursuit

A MAN accused of stealing more than $150,000 worth of farm machinery has been arrested after allegedly leading police on a high-speed pursuit through the Riverina.

Detectives attached to the Rural Crime Prevention Team established Strike Force Kartamindie in April to investigate a series of rural fuel and machinery thefts across the region, including the alleged theft of farm machinery valued at $155,000.

Following inquiries, highway patrol officers attempted to stop a truck carrying a trail bike on the Sturt Highway at Alfredtown about 2pm on Thursday, July 23.

Police allege the driver failed to stop, sparking a pursuit.

Image: NSW Police

The alleged driver, a 34-year-old man, is accused of reaching speeds of up to 120km/h through a roadwork zone before officers terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns.

Police continued monitoring the truck as it travelled along the highway before it allegedly left the roadway and ploughed through a boundary fence on a private property on Mundowy Lane at Collingullie.

The driver allegedly continued to Berry Jerry Reserve at Berry Jerry, where police allege he attempted to flee on the trail bike before being arrested by officers attached to Riverina Police District and the Southern Region Enforcement Squad.

Police allege all of the stolen machinery was recovered.

The 34-year-old was taken to Wagga Police Station and charged with 17 offences relating to the alleged theft of farm machinery valued at $155,000, along with fraud, drug possession, trespass, police pursuit and larceny offences.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Court Division 5 today.