PORTLAND, Texas — A local landscaping company is looking for security footage and any other information that may be able to help them find out more about a theft early Christmas morning that accounted for a loss of more than $17,000 worth of lawn equipment.
According to Owner Barry O’Neal, owner of LAM Landscaping, the theft happened around midnight Christmas Day.
O’Neal said, going by the amount of items taken, he and his family believe this was not a random theft.
“We kind of think it’s an inside job or maybe an ex-employee because things were left that weren’t running,” O’Neal said. “You would think that they’d have to know the material and equipment.”
O’Neal estimates that at least 90 percent of their landscaping gear was taken. Although it impacts him personally, he said he’s also concerned for everyone else the theft impacts.
“I guess that bothers me more that the employees we'll have to not have as many or will have to stay at home until we get the equipment,” he said. “And right during the Christmas time — it’s hard on a lot of people.
“I don’t like it — I don’t get mad about it. But, you know, it does affect more than just me.”
Portland Police were not able to provide KRIS 6 News with an update due to the New Year holiday, but O’Neal said he is now working to get things back into order for spring.
“What we’re in the middle of doing right now is trying to find refurbished equipment for used equipment that we can get back to work as quick as possible without putting out that kind of money,” he said. “We have a little bit of time to work with and try to find some equipment that will last, and, again, not spend too much on used equipment.”
For those interested in helping, LAM Landscaping can be contacted at barry@lamlandscaping.com or (361) 777-0776.
