BEAUPART, Que. – A four-month investigation by the Surete du Quebec has resulted in four arrests and the recovery of two backhoes and a bulldozer stolen from three highway construction sites near here.

A fourth case is close to being solved and 20 others across Quebec, primarily from highway construction sites, remain under investigation.

Gaetan Metivier, Stephane Gauthier and Jonathan Audy of Ste-Thecle, and Stephane Fontaine of Montreal have been charged with theft, receiving stolen goods and conspiracy.

A buyer for the hot equipment has been identified, however, says Richard Gagne, a Surete du Quebec representative. “We can’t name the accused because the case is before the court.”