A Cape Coral business owner is searching for answers and his work equipment after discovering his trailer and skid steer were stolen from a lot he had just started using.
James Wagner, who owns a local landscaping company, said he began parking his equipment in a lot near Trebing Tile and Carpet off Del Prado Boulevard just three weeks ago. The location, only minutes from his home, seemed like a safe and convenient choice.
“I figured that this was a good spot to keep my trailer — you know, five minutes down the road,” Wagner said.
But when he showed up early Saturday morning to pick up his equipment and head to a job site, he was met with a shock: his parking spot empty and his equipment gone.
“I came here to pick my equipment up and go to a job to try to make some money, and come to find out that’s not the case,” he said. “We’re not working today because we’re too busy trying to find our equipment.”
Wagner had paid $135 for the parking space for the month and hadn’t even made his second payment yet.
The stolen equipment — a gray trailer and a John Deere skid steer — is vital to Wagner’s daily operations. Without it, he says, his ability to earn a living is seriously threatened.
“You’re talking about potentially losing everything,” he said. “If it’s not figured out soon, things can get ugly real quick. It’s an everyday part of my life — something I actually take pride in. It’s just crazy that somebody came here and took everything from me.”
Wagner has reported the theft to Cape Coral police. As of now, there’s no word on any suspects or leads. He’s hoping nearby businesses might have surveillance cameras that captured the theft. He plans to review the footage once the businesses reopen Monday morning.
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