Roofing and lawn equipment stolen from 2 south Louisville businesses

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More than $20,000 worth of roofing and lawn equipment were taken from two businesses in south Louisville.

Just before 7:00 in the morning on Sunday, Aug. 16, a dark truck pulled up near Mick's Inc. Contracting, a small business off Bishop Lane.

Surveillance video from a nearby auto shop shows two men trying to break the lock off of a trailer. They return later driving a stolen truck.

“We've recovered that truck. There was a truck that came in and they had to use a torch to steal this trailer with landscaping equipment and stuff on there," said LMPD Detective Jason Schweitzer.

You can still see spots on the ground where the torch was used on the lock.

Michael Walker says it was his equipment that was taken.

“They had stolen my 16-foot trailer and one of my new lawn mowers, which is a 61-inch Husqvarna lawnmower,” said Michael Walker with Mick’s Contracting.

Later that night there was another theft nearby at American Roofing and Metal Company.

Thieves cut through a fence and stole items inside a gate.

“They came back three times. It was from 9 to about 1 in the morning,” said Charlie Richardson with American Roofing & Metal Co.

This time, the people responsible were driving a white truck and made off with welding and roofing equipment.

“They were driving a late model -- we think it's a Chevy pickup truck. White, with maybe black or red on the bottom. It's pretty distinguishable because on one side the back fender wheel isn't painted like the other side,” said Charlie Richardson.

American Roofing is now offering a $2,000 cash reward in hopes that someone will contact police about the theft in its lot.

“We have a sub that works for us and he's a really good guy and really good employer and uses our lot and he had his livelihood stolen, so we want this for him, as much for us, but more for him,” said Charlie Richardson.

Police say the crimes were costly.

“We're over the $10,000 to $20,000 range for each theft,” said Detective Schweitzer.

Walker says it's enough to hurt his contracting business.

“Small business it's a big impact. I only have two trailers and one of it now -- 50 percent of it's gone,” said Michael Walker.

Police are hoping someone will come forward, helping to solve the two thefts.

Anyone with information can call the police tipline at 574-LMPD.