Brazen Thieves Stealing Outdoor Power Equipment in Broad Daylight

The Fairfield Neighborhood Association was contacted by a resident from the Williams Woodland Park neighborhood for assistance in publicizing images captured on his video surveillance system documenting a pair of thieves who absconded with one of his lawnmowers after carrying on a conversation with his neighbor in broad daylight. Over the next several days, additional emails & images sent to the Fairfield Neighborhood Association as well as posted to the ‘NextDoor’ social media app, showcased the same pair stealing more outdoor power equipment straight off of porches and from unsecured backyard areas.

Thereafter, FNA President Pro-Tempore, Allison Bricker reached out to local television stations requesting they cover the ongoing string of thefts plaguing the several neighborhoods just south of downtown. While a few of the stations feigned interest in the story, all kudos go to WANE 15 for assigning veteran Law & Crime reporter Jamie Duffy to the story. Ms. Duffy relayed sincere interest in helping spread the word and conducted the necessary due diligence in her reporting of the thefts. The story was subsequently published to the WANE.com website and received broadcast air-time with Alyssa Ivanson reporting from the anchor desk during the Wednesday, 26 July edition of the evening news.

As a result of this proactive and coordinated response by residents, the association & the news media, Fort Wayne Police Department Detective Joseph Lyon, indicates one of the suspects was identified, with a search yielding some of the stolen property, and a probable cause affidavit submitted to the Allen County Prosecutor.

However, with one suspect still roaming the area, please be sure to secure all doors along with any outdoor power equipment you may have while keeping an eye out for anyone in the neighborhood who matches the photos included within this article.

Finally, should you see the remaining suspect or any other miscreant thieves, please telephone the Fort Wayne Police Department at (260) 427-1222.

“Facta non verba”