Published: November 26, 2008 05:21 pm      

$12,000 in tools stolen from construction site

More than $12,000 worth of tools were taken Tuesday from a tool storage shed on the construction site of Save-A-Lot at 5044 Atwood Drive, according to Richmond police.

An employee on the construction site reported that the padlock was cut from the shed during the night and several tools were taken, including: a Bosch skilsaw, a Dewalt torque drill, a Dewalt cordless sawsall, a Stihl quick saw, a roof seamer, a Honda 5000 generator and numerous small hand tools totaling $12,710, according to Sgt. Willard Reardon, public information officer for the Richmond Police Department.

Aside from tool and machinery thefts, construction sites also are prime targets for those looking for scrap metal.

“Minimize the time that materials are left unattended at construction sites,” he said. “Develop an inventory sheet for equipment and materials at a job site and conduct periodic inventories during construction. Inform law enforcement about construction sites and provide after hours contact information.”

Police are encouraging anyone with information about this crime to call the Richmond Police Department at 623-8911 or 623-1162.



Other reported crimes:

• On Monday, it was reported that $1,230 worth of tools were taken from a truck bed on Friday, Nov. 21, while parked in the Madison Stockyards parking lot on K Street.

Among the tools taken were: a Craftsman cordless drill, several sets of wrenches, sockets and screwdrivers, and numerous other small tools.

• On Tuesday, a resident of the 900 block of Altamont Street reported that the tires on her vehicle had been slashed. The estimated damage is $350.

The victim indicated that an ex-boyfriend had come to her residence and cut three of the four tires on her parked vehicle, according to Reardon.

• On Tuesday, employees of Asplundh tree trimming services reported the theft of five chain saws from their work trucks while they were parked near the Hardee’s restaurant on N. Keeneland Drive. The estimated total loss is $2,358.

Employees indicated that the thefts occurred during the overnight hours.

The storage compartment of one truck had been pried open and three chain saws removed, including two Stihl, model 180, saws and a Hasqvarna saw. The storage compartment of the second truck also had been pried open and two Stihl, model 361, saws were stolen, according to police.

Anyone with information about the above crimes is asked to call the Richmond Police Department at 623-8911 or 623-1162.



Reported arrests:

• On Tuesday, police arrested and charged Lezley M. Cole, 18, of Red Lick Road, Richmond, for theft by unlawful taking under $300 after she was detained by Wal-Mart employees for shoplifting approximately $79 worth of merchandise from the store.

• On Tuesday, police arrested and charged Amber N. Hall, 21, Twin Lakes Drive, Richmond, and Nikki L. Haik, Green’s Crossing, Richmond, for theft by unlawful taking under $300 after she was detained by Wal-Mart employees for shoplifting approximately $75 worth of merchandise from the store.



Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 234.