Organised thieves are believed to be behind two major forklift thefts perpetrated in Portugal and Canada last month.

Eight OM-Pimespo diesel forklifts were stolen from the Aboboda warehouse of Electro Central Vulcanizadora LDA on June 17 after thieves cut security alarm systems and broke in, loading two trucks with the machines and making their escape.

Spokesman Luis Bessa said the D-15, D-20, D-25 and D-30 machines, which were used for the company's short-term rentals, ranged in size from two 1.5-tonne to three-tonne capacities, and had a total value of more than EUR120,000 (USD121,000).

He said the authorities were investigating the theft, but it was likely that the machines had been shipped out of the country, possibly to Senegal.

On the same day in North Hamilton, Canada, two 18-tonne capacity Taylor low mast forklifts (see www.forkliftaction.com for photographs and serial numbers) were discovered missing from Pier 14 of the Port of Hamilton. Police so far had no leads, but the Hamilton Port Authority was hoping to receive information from the public, a spokesman said.

Readers who have any information about these thefts are urged to email www.forkliftaction.com. Forkliftaction.com will provide regular updates about stolen forklifts around the globe in the lead-up to the release of a stolen forklift register, which will be added to the Forkliftaction.com website in the coming months. If you are a recent victim of forklift theft, please contact www.forkliftaction.com.