TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma’s Habitat for Humanity was hoping to start the new year off strong. Instead, the organization is dealing with a major setback: its newest truck, stolen right out of its warehouse.
The nonprofit organization said a motion alarm went off on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. The warning was dismissed because there weren’t any other issues.
Workers were shocked to see burglars had made off with so much, said Sherrana Kildun, Habitat for Humanity’s chief development officer.
“They stole the truck. They also took a battery out of another truck," she said. “They hit a couple of other businesses that use that warehouse.”
Kildun said the stolen truck was the largest in their fleet and was so new it didn’t even have the organization’s logo on it yet.
The organization later learned that the power to the entire warehouse complex was cut off, which helped give the thieves access.
Director of Operations Ed Dopp said replacing the truck would be almost impossible for the nonprofit organization.
“It was in perfect condition, even though it was a 2017,” he said. “We were able to purchase it for $56,000. Currently, the same style truck in a new model is going for about $150,000. So it really put it out of our price range to get a new vehicle.”
Kildun said the loss has already affected operations, forcing the group to push back picking up donations. She also said the Habitat’s limited resources are being diverted to enhance anti-theft measure, like installing more security cameras and vehicle trackers
Now the hope is that someone will notify the authorities and the truck will be returned soon.
“Donations that could be used to fulfill our mission are now having to be re-directed for security reasons and theft and things like that,” she said. “It’s disheartening, but we know the community can rally and support us and we’re just asking for help.”
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