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Power tools stolen from Habitat trailers in Rock Island

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By Dustin Lemmon | Thursday, May 01, 2008 |

Habitat for Humanity lost nearly all of its power tools sometime overnight Wednesday when they were stolen from two trailers in Rock Island’s Habitat Park.

Terry Timmerman, Habitat’s volunteer coordinator, said at least 20 tools were stolen sometime between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday. The trailers were parked between two homes Habitat is building at 804 and 814 9th Ave.

“It’s going to really set us back,” Timmerman said of the lost tools. “It’s going to be difficult for us to build for the next several weeks until we can get them replaced.”

The items taken included several saws, compressors, nail guns and generators, Timmerman said, noting the padlocks on the trailers were cut.

Timmerman said the tools, which he estimates are worth thousands of dollars, are insured. Still, the organization will likely have to rework its budget to pay for replacements in the meantime.

Habitat still hopes to break ground on its seventh and final home in the park by September, Timmerman said, noting they’re just finishing up on number five. The park includes a home that was built in May 2007 for former Rock Island High School football player Travis Hearn who was injured in a September 2006 game.

Capt. Scott Harris of the Rock Island police confirmed that they are investigating the theft.

A third Habitat trailer that was parked at the site until Wednesday was moved to Davenport that day to start on another home, Timmerman said.

“If we hadn’t moved that trailer, we would have lost everything we have as far as power tools,” Timmerman said.

A few less expensive, nonpower tools were left behind by the thief or thieves, Timmerman said. Most of Habitat’s tools are paid for through grants while others are donated.

Timmerman said it’s the first time the group has had any items stolen from the work sites in Habitat Park. They did have a trailer broken into in Davenport in October 2006 and several tools were taken.

One night later, thieves came back, broke into the locked house they were building and stole tools a contractor had brought in as replacements, Timmerman said, adding that to his knowledge no one was ever arrested in that case.

Dustin Lemmon can be contacted at (563) 383-2493 or dlemmon@qctimes.com.

TO HELP

Anyone who wants to make a donation to help Habitat for Humanity can call (563) 359-9066 or contact the organization at 2235 Grant St., Bettendorf, IA 52722.