Framer forced out of work after tools are stolen

For the second time in one month thieves have broken into a private trailer of a framer working in Calgary. 

John Murphy had just replaced tools that were stolen from a jobsite in Skyview Ranch when his trailer was broken into in the new community of Nolan Hill.

“On Sunday morning I came out to work and doors were wide open in the wind and I knew right away something was up,” says Murphy. “We walked to the back and all the tools, everything cleaned out.”

Between the two separate incidents, more than ten thousand dollars worth of tools have been stolen.

Murphy hadn’t paid off the tools he replaced from the first theft and is unsure whether insurance will cover his loss.

For now, he’s been forced out of work.

“I’ve worked hard for my stuff,” says Murphy. “It’s hard, I literally almost cried when I walked out and dropped to my knees, I couldn’t believe it.”

Trades people are responsible for securing their own items, some builders have taken action to deter thefts.

Doug Whitney with the Calgary Home Builders’ Association suggests night time security.

“Video surveillance is put in so that after work hours everybody that comes and goes has to pass through video surveillance.”

Murphy is hopeful that his tools will show up in online ads or pawn shops.

In the meantime he hopes he can secure a loan so he can finish his work.