Police: Suspect Stealing Catalytic Converters From Shakopee Business
SHAKOPEE, Minn. (WCCO) -- A Shakopee business says they won't let it happen again. For the second time this summer, someone has stripped metal from their work truck.
But now they have some clues. Surveillance video at a Shakopee industrial park shows a man in broad daylight with a mask on, stealing a catalytic convertor from the open lot. They caught a very clear picture with their camera.
When you landscape for a living, pick-up trucks are key. Chet Von Sloun with A-Scape commercial landscaping says they haul rock, sod and black dirt amongst other supplies.
But one of A-Scape's three trucks won't be covering much ground.
"We have to have it towed. The motor won't even start," Von Sloun said.
That's because someone took out the exhaust system. The company's surveillance camera caught a blue Taurus driving in around 7:20 a.m. Saturday. The uninvited guest is masked up and ready to work.
About 20 minutes later, he pulls off.
"It's amazing that they would do it at 7:20 in the morning, it's daylight," he said.
But he did, now they're facing around $5,600 in repairs. Numbers the staff here knows well.
"This is the second time it happened to that same truck," Von Sloun said.
The last time was early summer, and Shakopee police say they've worked several cases. And even though it costs thousands for victims to repair, it seems the thieves only scrap it for about 1/50th the amount, around $100.
"$90 isn't a lot when you get caught," Von Sloun said.
And he's hoping this guy will get caught, by more than just the camera.
"Oh we're ready now. Third time's a charm this time," Von Sloun said.
It's not clear if the thief was using the mask for protection or to camouflage, but it looks like he knew what he was doing.
If anything looked familiar to you, you're asked to call the Shakopee Police Department at (952) 233-9400.