A company clearing dead trees from a roadside ditch in Pottawattamie County is offering a $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person of persons responsible for the theft of two Caterpillar Skid Steer loaders, and the recovery of the machines.

A similar model Caterpillar Skid Steer machine to those stolen from Pottawattamie County.

Next Phase Environmental had been contracted by the State of Iowa to clear the dead trees from the roadside ditch along Interstate 29, north of Council Bluffs.

The Pott. County Sheriff’s Department says during the last week, two Caterpillar Skid Steers belonging to the company were stolen. They’re valued at about $150,000. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office at (712) 890-2200 or Crime Stoppers at (712) 328-7867.