Stolen wood hauler

The 2004 chevy that I use for making firewood has been parked in front of the shop where I work for probably 2 weeks. (Keys in the switch) Yesterday morning I cleaned out a couple flower beds and had 3 lick tubs full of waste to go to the compost site, was also going to clean up a pile of bark and scraps in the processing area. So I drive my company work pickup out to the shop to get the wood hauler.(around 4pm Saturday afternoon) I pull into the yard and think, “what the hell? Where’s my pickup?” I thought maybe the boss pulled it inside,.... nope! So I called him, he said he didn’t move it. Also told me that he went back to the shop around 9pm ( we both left at around 7) and it wasn’t there but figured I’d came and got it. Boss has been having trouble this week with a guy that was employed here and has really “gone off the deep end” ( severe nut job)! He figured I took it home to keep it safe from the nut job.
So I call the sheriff and report it stolen. Sheriff comes out and gets all the information he needs and tells me it’s basically wait and see if it shows up someplace.
The thing that has me the most upset is, my 346xp was in the toolbox in the back and a Swarovski binocular (over $500 years ago) in the cab. Plus chaps and pickaroon. I did feel a little fortunate because often times there is 3-4 saws in the truck.
Less than 2 hours later the sheriff called and said they found it. It is in North Platte (67 miles away) He said he couldn’t prove beyond a reasonable doubt but was certain it was taken by a female hitchhiker coming from South Dakota. Had nothing to do with the disgruntled former employee. Pickup appears to be undamaged and that I should go get it.
When I get there a North Platte city police officer is there and handed me the keys. Said the chainsaw was still in the box. He told me to open it and look inside and see if anything doesn’t belong to me. A pair of small scissors and a phone charger was all I found. The city officer said that the person (suspect) lived only 3 baseball throws up the street.
Pickup is out of gas ( no surprise ), but My firewooding gas cans are in the back, so off to the nearest station for a couple gallons. Starts right up, so back to gas station and fill up and brought it home.
I sure got lucky!!

 

Good story! Thanks for sharing.

 

Glad you got it back. I hope she or whoever took it goes to jail..

 

That is awesome that you got it back, and really not out anything but some time and gas money.

So, are you going to lock it up from now on?

 

The smart answer would be “ yes, absolutely, every time!!!” But reality says probably not, I’ll probably be better at pulling the keys though.
Sheriff said this is the 3rd time in his 15 years. Unlocked and keys in the switch is far from uncommon around here.
It is a pretty good area to live

 

I’m with MikeInMa
Great Story

I spent three hours with a roofer salesmen and hauled 5 loads of compost to the garden yesterday.....yawn

 

Did the salesman leave the compost...?

 

Maybe M2theB did after he saw the price..

 

we’re still debating that!

 

Glad for a happy ending here, doesn't happen that way very often...same wth a 4 wheeler I had stolen years ago...got it back with only minor damage...sheriff said that rarely happens.

 

Great story glad you got it back. I also leave keys in ignition; easier to find that way.. The number of times I get a call From good friends can I borrow xx. Mine just died got to finish yyy. Tractor saws mowers wheelers it’s a real time saver.. especially if leaving it at someone else’s property..

 

Eric VW

 

That was posted from the "office chair" too, so not even joking!
TMI?

 

You sir got very lucky!

 

glad you got it back, but over here you dont leave keys in your car or truck.

 

Glad it all worked out!

 

My eyes are burning!