PROSPECT — The Maine State Police are appealing to the public in an effort to track down a single axle UniLift boom lift that was stolen from the side of the road on Route 1-A Aug. 16.

The orange lift was being towed when the equipment became detached from the vehicle around 6:30 p.m., causing it to skid roughly 20 feet from the roadside.

Though the operator realized the detachment immediately, he required a four wheel drive truck to retrieve it, which he had to travel to get.

After being gone for roughly an hour the operator returned with the truck and additional help, only to discover the UniLift missing.

Police say the equipment would have required “substantial effort” to remove it from the location.

The missing lift is said to closely resemble UniLift’s 538 model, which features a tow-able telescopic boom that extends up to 36 feet. New models can cost well over $15,000.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Donald Webber at (207) 624-7076

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com