Gardaí are searching for thieves who took an ESB crane truck in Dublin which they believe may have been stolen to order or to carry out a crime necessitating lifting gear.
Gardaí believe that the truck could be used as a cover by a gang who wanted to gain access to facilities from which the public is barred and which may be of interest to those planning a robbery.
One source said the crane could be used to lift heavy objects such as an ATM machine and comes equipped with stabilisers, allowing it to lift much heavier loads.
A Garda spokesman said the public should be vigilant, and anybody granting access to any facility to ESB workmen should check their identification.
The truck was stolen from an ESB yard on Parnell Road, Harold's Cross, last Friday night, May 21st.
The truck is a Renault Midliner with a Hiab crane attached. The registration number is 90 D 37215. It is yellow with the blue ESB logo displayed. It is valued at €100,000.
An ESB spokesman said that theft of the company's vehicles was not a common occurrence. CCTV footage was being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the gardaí at Sundrive Road on (01) 6666600, or any Garda station.