Houlton police find stolen backhoe, but continue looking for thief

Houlton police have recovered a backhoe, similar to the one seen in this stock photo, that was stolen from the Smyrna Street cemetery in October. Police are still looking for the thief, however, and anyone with information about the crime is urged to call 532-2287. (Courtesy of Houlton Police Department)

HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Police Department has recovered a backhoe that was stolen from a Houlton cemetery in October, but are still searching for whoever made off with the equipment.

Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca said in a written statement Thursday that the 1987 Caterpillar backhoe, which belonged to Nickerson’s Construction and was valued at $9,000, was stolen from the Smyrna Street cemetery sometime between Saturday, Oct. 21, and Friday, Oct. 27.

The machinery, which was on lease to the cemetery department for digging graves, was believed to have been put on the back of a trailer and driven off the property. Investigators appealed to the public for assistance.

DeLuca said that police received an anonymous tip on Wednesday that the backhoe was behind Frank’s Garage in Island Falls. Maine State Police investigated and found the machinery.

The investigation into the theft remains active, DeLuca said, and police are asking anyone with additional information to contact Detective Steven Nason at the police department or by calling 532-2287.