Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Thieves Brazen In Theft Of Antique Farm Equipment
A group of thieves worked openly for hours last week in order to steal a piece of farm equipment from a Red Hill Center Road farm.
Reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department indicate that deputies were dispatched to the farm on Monday. The victim reported that an antique rock crusher that had belonged to his grandfather was missing.
Deputies spoke with a neighbor who had witnessed the crime. He reported that two men and two women had worked throughout the day on Thursday, April 18, removing the rock crusher from the property.
The neighbor reported that the women had remained next to the roadway, watching while the two men attempted to dismantle the piece.
Unsuccessful, they attempted to pull it from the weeds with their vehicle. They eventually left, he said, returning with a trailer. They were able to load the piece and hauled it away.
The neighbor told deputies that he assumed the group had permission to take the rock crusher. He explained, “I thought they must have known the family because they did not try to hide their actions.”
According to the victim, although he held a sentimental attachment to the piece, it had not been used in years and its only value would be as scrap metal. Authorities estimated the machine’s value at $1,000.
The witness was able to give deputies a description of the men. He said that both appeared to be in their 30s. One was described as tall, with short black hair and a large build.
The second man was shorter in stature with a slender build. He had longish black hair and was wearing a bandage or cast on one arm. The group was traveling in a full-size, brown SUV with double doors on the back.
Anyone who has information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s department at 931-762-3626.
