Ernest Williams’ new lawn equipment was stolen from his shed.
ALBANY, GA. -- An Albany resident said someone went into his shed and stole $10,000 worth of new lawn equipment. Ernest Williams said he wants this person brought to justice.
After returning from a weekend trip, the homeowner said he checked his home and all of his lawn items were present, but he said the very next day they were missing.
“Monday evening when I got in from work about five thirty, I came here to the back yard and I noticed my lawn equipment was gone,” said theft victim Ernest Williams.
Mr. Williams said the thief went through a back alley to get to the items. He said he’s now concerned about his home.
“To get back there is kind of hard to do. So my thing that I’m most concerned with is how many times have they been here in my yard,” said Mr. Williams.
Williams said his insurance company has agreed to pay for the loss, but he's still concerned about what's going to happen with the missing lawn equipment.
Pawn shop owners said often times when these types of items are stolen, crooks try to sell them to make a profit. Jason Shefield with Dawson Road Pawn and Jewelry said he has a plan in place if something like this happens.
“Every transaction that we make we make a record of it every day. So that safeguards us,” said pawn shop manager Jason Shefield, “We make sure that the police department gets records of everything.”
Once police gets the information they check the items against any stolen property records that they may have. Schefield recommends people keep records of expensive purchases just in case they get stolen.
“Serial numbers are number one because that's what the police looks for,” said Shefield.
He said if you don't have this information handy the chances of recovering the merchandise becomes slim to none. Williams is familiar with the practice. He said he was prepared.
“I do have the tag number, the vin number to the trailer and the vin number to both of the zero turn lawn mowers,” said Williams.
He said he's now waiting for a lead to find his stolen equipment. If you have any information on this case you are asked to contact the Albany Police Department.
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