SPRINGFIELD, Mo -- Thieves have a new target -- utility trailers. Police have reports of stolen tools and equipment all across the city.
The thefts cause construction workers to rethink security at work sites. Construction workers say recent thefts forced them to make some inconvenient changes: they'll pack up everything after a day's work because it's too dangerous to leave their tools out.
The latest reported theft happened on New Year's Eve. Pavel Samsinak was on his way to open a new gym that he's been building on Republic Road, and saw his trailer door open.
He looked inside and saw empty shelves - more than $10,000 worth of tools like saws and nail guns missing. He found his lock broken in two.
"This is a good part of town," Samsinak said. "I didn't expect anything to happen because it's in the southeast of Springfield and a secure neighborhood. Along with my locks - I didn't think it could happen at all."
Police have not recovered any of Samsinak's stolen tools. Samsinak says he'll take home everything from now on.
Springfield Police officers say they're also investigating recent reports of stolen trailers from a car dealership off Chestnut Expressway, and an engineering business on East Trafficway.
Lt. Kevin Grizzell, supervisor of the SPD Property Crimes Division, says officers have seen a rise in these types of crimes and have designated officers to investigate vehicles thefts specifically.
Taking your tools with you is always a good idea to secure them, but police say a lot of stolen property makes its way to pawn shops.
Copy down serial numbers and mark your property to increase your chances of recovering stolen goods.
