Multiple Bay Area construction sites have been hit by thieves who have stolen heavy machinery and equipment, and authorities have identified at least one suspect in the crimes, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.
A regional task force has been formed and is searching for 38-year old Vincent Hodge, who they say is one of what could be many suspects responsible for stealing large equipment such as Bobcats and other heavy-duty tractors and loaders from construction sites.
Investigators recovered some of the stolen merchandise when they tracked it to a lot in Fremont that belongs to a company called VV Freight Systems. They also recovered items on a property near Morgan Hill, sheriff's officials said.
Also found during the searches were stolen trailers that may have been used to transport other stolen machinery and tools, investigators said.
"Bobcats are big equipment; they're not out on streets," Sgt. James Jensen of sheriff's office said. "So he's going to need big trailers to lug those Bobcats around. And that's why it's so hard to track those Bobcats down."
Investigators also confiscated a small arsenal of firearms on the Fremont property and said they are still trying to identify the owner of the weapons.
A neighboring business owner was stunned.
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"That's very strange they steal that kind of equipment," said Jack Chang, owner of C&T Auto Repair. "I'm glad they didn't hit me. I have a lot of expensive equipment in my shop."
The sheriff's office released a photo of Hodge, but investigators declined to discuss any prior criminal history.
Investigators said it could have been either Hodge or a ring selling the stolen equipment illegally, since some identification numbers have been scratched off.
Investigators did release the construction sites that were hit, though at least four were identified. They said they expect to find more victims and possibly buyers.
