It is not the first time thieves have targeted the depot in Marine Parade.

Late last year, would-be thieves rammed the gates with a car but failed to gain access to the depot.

In the most recent hit on the premises, thieves smashed a front window and escaped with five Stihl TS700 demolition chainsaws with a total value of about $7000. All have Coates Hire asset numbers engraved on the handles.

Anyone with information on the theft can contact Hastings police crime investigation unit on 59707850.

Attempted theft

A 39-YEAR-old South Melbourne man has been charged with burglary at the 7-Eleven store in Somerville in the early hours of Saturday, January 30.

Sergeant Ron Fauvel said undercover police arrested the man when he allegedly tried to steal cash from the ATM in the store on Frankston-Flinders Road.

He was charged with burglary and theft.