Birmingham Small Business Owner Seeks Help After $20,000 Worth of Lawn Equipment Stolen

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – A small business owner in Birmingham is facing a significant setback after more than $20,000 worth of lawn equipment was stolen from his home over the weekend. The owner, Andrew Harris, believes his home has been targeted, as this is the eighth theft he has experienced in the past three months.

Harris owns Sweat Equity, a lawncare and handyman service, and this ongoing theft has devastating consequences for both his business and livelihood. Despite taking precautions and insuring his equipment, Harris feels constantly targeted. The stolen items, which include a trailer, lawn mower, walk behind, weed eater, backpack blower, and gas cans filled with gas, are essential tools for him to provide for his family.

Harris noticed a silver and chrome Dodge Ram with brush guards surveilling his home a few days before the theft occurred. The same truck appeared on the Saturday when his equipment was stolen, further confirming his belief that he is being targeted.

Fortunately, the entire incident was captured by his home surveillance system. The video footage shows a man in a neon shirt and vest entering the frame but retreating shortly after. On his return, he can be seen wearing something to conceal his face.

While multiple individuals might be involved in these thefts, Harris frequently observes a lone perpetrator. Despite reporting the incidents to the police over the past few months, he has been met with minimal response.

Frustrated with the lack of police action, Harris took matters into his own hands and managed to locate one of the thieves selling a stolen lawn mower at a nearby gas station. The police were called, and the individual was subsequently arrested.

The Birmingham Police Department (BPD) was contacted by WBRC for additional information on the incident, but as of Monday night, no response has been received.

In the meantime, Harris is desperate to recover his stolen equipment and urges anyone with information or who notices suspicious sales of such items to contact the Birmingham Police. Additionally, if individuals require handyman services or wish to share relevant information, they can reach out to Andrew Harris at [email protected].

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