Stolen Plow Recovered By Police, Returned To Lynn Nonprofit In Better Condition
LYNN (CBS) -- It's the story of a no-good thief who actually did some good without even meaning to.
Last week as the maintenance crew of a nonprofit charitable agency in Lynn began preparing for snow, they discovered a plow missing. It was the only plow the agency has to clear four different lots, and it's worth $7,000.
"I was in a panic," said Lynn Economic Opportunity Maintenance Director Richard Garcia.
The agency provides childcare, heat, and weather assistance to low income families.
"$7,000 means those are services we can't provide to children…and heating assistance in the winter," said LEO CEO Bergitta Damon.
What the thief didn't know is that the agency has several surveillance cameras pointed down at the parking lot.
The video shows a truck approach, mount the plow to the front, and drive off within five minutes. From that, police were able to identify the truck, and track down the stolen plow.
Here's the bonus: In the short time the thief had the plow, he did $200-to-$300 worth of repairs on it, replacing marker guides and giving it a new shine.
"He basically painted all the rust," Garcia says.
So, the agency has its plow back just in time for another possible storm.
"Perfect," Garcia said. "Just perfect."
The thief, who hasn't been identified by police, was issued a summons to appear in Lynn District Court.