Stolen front-end loader left on state highway

File photo / NZ Herald

A "massive" front-end loader stolen and then left blocking State Highway 7 near Mawheraiti early yesterday could have had fatal consequences, police say.

The owner recovered the machine yesterday morning and reported the incident to police after it was found blocking the main road south of the Maimai Valley, senior constable Fred Aplin, of Reefton police, said today.

Motorists who had encountered the "very large" front-end loader blocking their way, forcing them on to the grass verge to get past, had been in touch with police.

Inquiries were continuing but police had "good leads" on the theft of the machine from a local mine and the burglary of the enclosed yard where it was stored.

"It's particularly concerning because this is a massive machine which was left in the middle of the road," Mr Aplin said. "It could have had fatal consequences due to the weather and visibility."

The machine - which would tower above an average house - was usually locked up and housed in the locked yard. The thief drove the machine through security fencing and then several kilometres down the road before parking it north of the Mawheraiti settlement.

"It's mind boggling the stupidity of someone that could abandon it in the middle of the road like that. It's pure good fortune that a serious accident didn't result."

Mr Aplin said police were keen to speak to further witnesses or receive any information about the incident, either anonymously through the 0800 CRIMESTOPPERS phone or by phoning the Greymouth police.