CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- Police are looking for the person responsible for stealing appliances from a Northwest Cape Coral model home, Friday.
Thieves stole thousands in appliances including a refrigerator, microwave, and wine cooler. The contractor who owns the home then found her stuff for sale on Craigslist. "Craigslist seems to be the easiest because pawn shops have become more regulatory," said Bill Johnson, CEO of the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association.
Johnson tells Fox 4 with a boom in construction, empty homes are an easy target for thieves. According to Cape Coral Police, many sell the items on Craigslist, and low prices are an indication that goods may be stolen. "You're getting a thousand dollar item for a hundred bucks, that's probably too good to be true," said Cpl. Phil Mullen, spokesperson for CCPD.
Mullen said the department needs help from the community to crack down on the crime, telling Fox 4 suspects may wait until night time to commit crimes against empty homes. "So if you see a pick up truck loading things up at 11 or 12 at night, that's not going to be the construction crew. There's city ordinances against letting them work that late," he said.
Mullen also suggests to avoid having valuables inside an occupied house until you move in. "Schedule these deliveries of appliances as close to the occupancy of the house as you can."
Johnson agrees, saying it could save you thousands of dollars. "Waiting that extra week or two, it could be all the difference from having your appliances or not."
The CCCIA works with police and can help you get your stuff back if you've fallen a victim of this crime. If you have any information about this crime, call Crime Stoppers at 1800-780-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and could earn a cash reward.
