Victoria Police have launched an investigation into the theft of a tow truck near Bendigo, with investigators examining whether the incident was a carefully planned and targeted crime.

The alleged theft occurred on 26 July 2026, prompting police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the commercial vehicle. Early inquiries suggest the tow truck may have been specifically targeted rather than stolen opportunistically, leading detectives to explore possible motives linked to the vehicle or its business operations.

Tow trucks are valuable commercial assets and play an essential role in roadside assistance, vehicle recovery and accident response. Because of their specialised equipment and high value, they can become targets for organised vehicle theft or criminal activity.

Police have not publicly identified suspects or confirmed a motive while investigations remain ongoing. Detectives are gathering evidence, reviewing available CCTV footage and speaking with witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity before or after the alleged theft.

Investigators are also examining the movements of the vehicle following its disappearance and whether the theft may be connected to other incidents involving commercial vehicles in Victoria.

Authorities have appealed to members of the public who were in the area around the time of the incident to provide information that could assist the investigation. Dashcam footage, security camera recordings and eyewitness accounts may help establish the timeline of events.

Vehicle theft continues to present challenges for police across Victoria, particularly where commercial vehicles are involved. Stolen trucks and specialised machinery can be difficult to trace if quickly moved between regions or dismantled for parts.

Police say investigations into commercial vehicle theft often involve cooperation between local officers, specialist vehicle crime investigators and forensic teams. Modern investigative techniques, including CCTV analysis, number plate recognition systems and forensic examinations, may assist in identifying those responsible.

The incident has also raised concerns within the towing industry, where operators rely on expensive equipment to provide emergency roadside services. The loss of a tow truck can affect business operations, delay recovery services and create financial hardship for operators.

At this stage, investigators have not confirmed whether the vehicle has been recovered. Police continue working to locate the tow truck and identify those involved.

Anyone with information relating to the incident is encouraged to contact Victoria Police or provide information through Crime Stoppers.

The investigation remains active, and police have indicated further updates will be provided as additional evidence becomes available.