A man in his 20’s dressed in a black hoodie and pants was seen at the same property four days before the October 18 theft.

Property owner James Reciszen also recognised a suspicious four-wheel drive that came to a halt outside his home during broad daylight on October 20, two days after his tools were taken.

The incident is under investigation.

“I definitely feel like I am being targeted,” Mr Reciszen said.

“I am known to have top-end tools and my motorbike recently won first prize at the Halls Gap Show and Shine festival so I am thinking they could be incentives.”

Mr Reciszen said the loss of his tools had caused him a significant financial setback. 

“The most recent estimate I received was actually double the first estimate of $3500,” he said.

“I am currently renovating my house so as well as those costs, I have had to replace the tools and invest in more security around the home.”

Mr Reciszen’s car was also burglarised in November last year.

“It is very disappointing, I have helped out this community quite a bit by building sheds for residents around town so I do feel betrayed by these acts.”

A car in an open garage on Houston Street was also broken into and had its contents stolen on October 24.

Police figures show burglary and theft saw one of the most significant increases in 2016, which jumped from 361 offences in 2015, to 510 offences in 2016. 

Sergeant Simon Grant said the number of incidents reported during the past two weeks have come as a result of unlocked sheds and doors leaving homes vulnerable.

“This provides easy access and we want residents to lock their houses and sheds at all times,” Sergeant Grant said.

“We have active patrols targeting areas where incidents have occurred and we have initiated covert patrols.”