More than £100,000 of heavy plant equipment has been stolen from a Sutton contractor since the start of this year.

Detectives are investigating reports of high value heavy plant equipment being taken from various locations throughout the borough.

Belmont-based road resurfacing contractor RJ Dance has had £116,000 of equipment stolen – a £16,000 roller on March 8 at Courtney Crescent, Carshalton Beeches, a £10,000 compressor on March 11 at Woodcote Road, Wallington and two £40,000 tractors, on January 27 at Station Approach, Kingston and on March 30 at Wallington Station Approach.

RJ Dance owner Peter Hartman said the equipment was stolen from work sites and had delayed each project by one day.

Mr Hartman, who has owned the company for 35-years, said: “I haven't seen equipment stolen on this scale.

“When it gets to this scale and thieves are taking very expensive equipment, it's likely to be an organised gang doing it.

“I'm trying to set up a meeting with the police to discuss what's happening. It's very serious. We're a small company, we suffer when things like this happen.”

Det Insp Jim Bennett of Sutton CID said: “Sutton detectives are looking into reports of high value, heavy plant equipment being stolen from a number of locations in the borough over recent weeks.

“We are working with police officers from neighbouring boroughs as part of our investigation.

"If anyone has any information about thefts of heavy plant then please contact Sutton CID on 020 8649 0747.

"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”