The District of Barriere reports that its Public Works pickup truck was stolen on Jan. 14, 2015.
A District spokesperson said the Ford 350 truck was taken from the driveway of District staffer Dustin Doherty, and noted police had stated the make and model of the truck is a common one for vehicle thieves as the door and ignition are easy to open and start.
Fortunately, the pickup was spotted the following day parked on the side of a road in Rayleigh.
Due to there being no other damage to the vehicle other than the door lock and ignition, the District says the cost of repair, as well as the towing charges, will be covered by their vehicle insurance under a $300 deductible.
Staff also report that a storage shed by the Fieldhouse was broken into around the same time, but say they have no confirmation that the two incidents were related.
Apparently, the theft appeared to be planned and prepared for, as the footprints in the snow led directly to the door where the lock was pried off “with some kind of bar”.
Taken from the shed were three new brush saws valued at $500 each. Not taken from the shed was a fourth brush saw that was much older than the others.
The deductible is $2,500 on this insurance policy, which means the municipality will be footing the bill for the full cost of replacing the three stolen saws.