Authorities in Pottawattamie County are investigating the recent theft of a backhoe from a property east of Hancock. Chief Deputy John Reynolds said the theft of a Case 480-E backhoe occurred at a location in the 16000 block of 450th Street, sometime between 4-p.m. April 17^th and this past Thursday. The machine is yellow, with a brown cab. The back window is also missing.

The bachoe’s owner, Larry Pracht, has been the target of thefts before. Past reports to the Sheriff’s Office indicated Pracht had two trailers and scrap metal take during separate incidents. Pracht is offering a $1,000 reward for the return of the machine, and an additional $1,000 reward if the other stolen equipment is returned. He says also, he won’t press charges if the thief returns one or more of the items, or provides a tip as to where they are located. Pracht can be reached at 712-355-1566.

Authorities are reviewing surveillance video to try and obtain clues as to the thief’s identity. Anyone with information regarding the thefts should call the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office at 890-2200 or Sergeant Dwayne Ritchie at 890-2233.