A barazen thief has been warned to return property stolen from the McArthur farm clearing sale at Outram on Wednesday, or police will be involved.
John Goldsworthy, of Milton, said he bought a potato planter during the auction and while he was loading other items he had bought, seats were taken from the machinery.
In response, he has issued a frank warning.
"Would the person seen taking the seats from the potato planter ... please return them or further action will be taken."
Farmlands Real Estate auctioneer Alan Eason said he had a good idea who the culprit was, and echoed Mr Goldsworthy’s plea.
"[Mr Goldsworthy] took the first load away and when he came back for his second load, they were gone.
"It wasn’t like it happened accidentally.
"They weren’t on the ground. They were actually in the bin of the potato planter, and some smart alec has just lifted them because they want to hang them in their garden or something. It’s just shocking."
Mr Eason said theft from auctions was not rare.
"It’s pretty cheeky. It happens occasionally.
"Police haven’t been involved yet. They’re given an opportunity to return them."
He said if the items were not returned by tomorrow, the next step would be to contact the police.
