I have been in this business on and off for 12 years now. In all those years I have never had anything stolen. Until today. With an open trailer, unlocked equipment, and me out of sight for periods of time, I had often thought about the possibility, but never done much to deter a potential perpetrator. Like many things in life we're reactive instead of proactive.
I was at one of my newer yards today. The client lives in a garden home community and appeared to be a very safe neighborhood. I was going through my normal routine, so after finishing mowing the backyard, which took me no more than 8 minutes, was getting ready to blow the driveway. I got to the trailer and my blower was gone. I stood there and stared at the empty blower rack for a second perplexed, but knowing in my heart what had just happened. Surely not. This must be a mistake. I then did a check of my surroundings hoping to see some sign of my equipment. Maybe I'm being punk'd? Of course all was quiet. I then called Mom for the one in a million chance Dad had used it the night before, forgot to put it back, and I was just now missing it. As I was talking to her, I noticed my hedge trimmer was also gone. No way Dad used both the night before, so I knew the answer Mom was going to give.
The helpless feeling set in. I wanted to run in all directions scouring for the low life that robbed me, dreaming of the things I would do to that person if I found them, all the while knowing it would futile. They were no doubt long gone.
I called the police to report the crime. I also needed the police report so I could file my insurance claim. Officer Johnson came to assist me. Like a scene out of the movies, as he arrived it started raining. So I was standing there, out two pieces of equipment and getting soaking wet. He let me sit in the patrol car with him as we filled out the report. The most likely result is the equipment ending up in one of many pawn shops or the thieves actually using it. Either way, only the winning the lottery chance that it would ever get reported to the authorities as stolen.
The whole process of police and insurance dealings took about an hour and half. I decided to call it a day after that. I wasn't much in the mood to work anymore and I was scheduled to trim hedges that afternoon, so that would have to be put on hold. Much like after my bike got stolen I suddenly became super paranoid and didn't want to let my stuff out of my sight until I got an extensive lock system. So my first stop on my way home was at Lowe's. There I purchased nearly $100 worth of locks.
- 4 Locks for the racks
- Cable and lock for mowers and other loose items
- Lock to keep trailer connected to hitch
- Lock to keep hitch connected to truck
It will now be several extra steps in my daily routine, but the crooks will have to work for my stuff from now on.
I then went by Riverchase Mower to price the pieces that got stolen. It will be about $850 to replace the two items with similar models. Both of the stolen pieces were about 10 years old, and I had gotten lots of use out of them. Because of depreciation I doubt I will get any insurance money for them.
It absolutely could have been much worse. Like the hard drive failure from earlier in the year, I will take it as a good reminder to better care for my stuff. When I got home Rebecca reminded me of the story of when she was just a baby and her parents brand new lawn mower got stolen during the aftermath of their house getting destroyed by a tornado. It takes a real low life to steal from a tornado victim. Despite the wrongdoing and her warranted anger, her Mom's prayer was that the thief was using that mower to feed his family. She then felt a peace about the situation. At some point later they purchased a new lawn mower. After waiting some time the amount for the check had still not come out of their account. They checked with the store owner and he had received his payment from the transaction.
It was a much needed reminder and how we should live as I came home very frustrated. In no way do I expect the same divine reimbursement Rebecca's parents received, but I do see how richly blessed we are. The Lord has given us so much to be thankful for, its not worth staying upset over a couple material losses. No matter the size of the storm in our life, he deserves to be praised.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48
So Mr. Robber, as hard as it is for me to say, my prayer tonight is that those items are helping you to meet some need that you had no other foreseeable way to meet. If you ever come back though, you better bring some serious bolt cutters.
P.S. While looking for product images, I came across this photo on Stihl's website. Maybe this can be Rebecca and me someday.
