Union – State police at Troop C in Tolland are investigating the theft of a John Deere skid steer machine from a Union quarry on March 7.

Police identified the machine as a 2000 John Deere Skid Steer, model 240, VIN # KZ0240A140371.

The theft was reported March 11, but the investigation determined that the theft occurred on March 7 between the hours of 6:40 p.m. and 7:10 p.m. at the Herb Holden Quarry, 23 Holland Road, Union, near the Massachusetts border.

The Herb Holden quarry mines and crushes stone, producing stone, gravel, sand and stone dust.

In order to perform these functions, many heavy machinery (bucket loaders, skid steer, gravel screener's, conveyor belts and other equipment) are present at the quarry.

The skid steer is distinct as it has extra "L" shaped welded brackets reinforcing the bucket. The bucket itself also has extra steel welded to the front of the bucket extending the cutting edge an extra 3 feet, police said, and has "Herb Holden" written on both sides as well as the Herb Holden symbol. The stick-on number "421" is on the right rear back side.

The estimated value of the skid steer is approximately $15,000.

Troopers are asking anyone who has information or may recognize the suspect vehicle to contact state police at (860) 896-3200.