“I installed a GPS”: Virginia man tracks down stolen construction tools and launches “extensive” investigation

A construction contractor from Sterling, Virginia, was the first victim in a series of robberies in which thieves stole more than $3 million worth of construction equipment.

Howard County police said the “enormous” investigation began in January after the contractor’s equipment, which included a tracking device, was stolen. The victim said he installed the GPS system after being the victim of a previous robbery. He did not want to give his name to WTOP for fear the thieves would come back.

The contractor did not notice the missing tools from a work truck until he arrived at the job site ready to work and ended up having to take the day off.

“I’m frustrated, but luckily I can buy (tools) again and keep going,” he told WTOP. “Most of the time you never get them back, so I know if something goes missing, I’ll have to buy it again.”

The victim said that after reporting the missing equipment to police, he had to buy new tools for around $5,000. However, thanks to the tracking system he installed, he was able to see where his stolen equipment was and decided to try to follow the tools.

He said he became frustrated watching his tools move back and forth on the tracking system and decided to go to the warehouse in Elkridge, where police found over 15,000 pieces of stolen construction equipment. Officers eventually executed search warrants at a total of 12 locations, 11 of which were in Howard County.

“I’m happy because I know they can find out who did this. Someone rented the apartment and wrote a name on it. I hope they can be arrested,” he said.

Police said no charges have been filed yet, but they have identified at least 80 victims so far and said there could be hundreds or even thousands more. To find as many victims as possible, police have set up a website where people who have had tools stolen can report it.

“Many victims may not have reported the incident to police,” said Seth Hoffman, a spokesman for Howard County police. “When we contacted them, some of them were surprised that their items had been recovered. It may have been years ago and ‘out of sight, out of mind,’ but many of them were grateful because they did not expect to get them back.”

To protect your tools, police recommend storing the devices in a safe place, having them engraved, using serial numbers and installing tracking devices.

At a press conference last Friday, Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der said, “This case sends a clear message: We will not tolerate this criminal enterprise and Howard County.”

WTOP’s Thomas Robertson contributed to this report.

Sign up here to get breaking news and daily headlines delivered straight to your email inbox.

© 2024 WTOP. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users in the European Economic Area.