Heartless thieves vandalize, steal equipment at Habitat for Humanity site
MIDLAND, Wash. -- Habitat for Humanity says one family will have to wait even longer to move into their new home after thieves vandalized the place and stole vital construction equipment.
“Whoever did it clearly wasn't afraid to come up close to the homes that are occupied,” neighbor David Sullivan said Tuesday.
According to Tacoma/Pierce county Habitat for Humanity, thieves broke into a portable site office at a development called The Woods at Golden Given. The organization is home to 12 families who partnered with Habitat to buy a simple home with an affordable mortgage.
Thieves steal equipment from Habitat for Humanity site
Thieves steal equipment from Habitat for Humanity site
Sullivan lives just a few doors away from one home that was broken into and vandalized. The back door was kicked in and a window was broken.
“It’s sad, but it’s also scary at the same time. I have an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old and it’s a little too close to home for me,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan is also on the security board for this Habitat community and they've got a lot of issues to address after what’s happened.
“I have no idea what the motivation was because they didn't take other things that were here of more value,” said Maureen Fife of Habitat for Humanity.
Fife said that late Monday night or very early Tuesday morning thieves broke into their construction trailer, stealing all their surveillance equipment. They also stole the pickup truck used to haul supplies, which was recovered just a few blocks away Tuesday night.
“The most heartbreaking loss besides the vandalism to this unit, they stole a tile saw that was given to us in memorial for a volunteer that had passed away,” Fife said.
They’re facing roughly $5,000 in stolen items and damages. That's a big letdown for an organization dedicated to lifting the community up.
“That's a lot for us. It takes a lot to raise $5,000, so it’s a big impact,” Fife said.
On Tuesday night, families are even more concerned that the thieves could come back.
“It’s just kind of daring to come up so close to the house. The houses are really close together, they’re 10 or 11 feet apart. You're taking a big chance for someone hearing you and that speaks for itself. They didn't care,” Sullivan said.
If you recognize any of the equipment stolen from Habitat for Humanity or if you have any information on this vandalism and theft, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. You can remain anonymous.