Thieves Steal $8,000 in Tools From Houston Plumber’s Work Van
Surveillance footage captures thieves stealing years' worth of tools and equipment in a matter of minutes.
Marcus Gaona, owner of Gaona’s Plumbing in southeast Houston, was working inside a customer’s home when thieves stole approximately $8,000 worth of tools and equipment from his work van in a matter of minutes.
The theft occurred on a Monday afternoon late September along Arrowhead Lane and was captured by a nearby home's surveillance camera. The footage shows a dark SUV, followed by a second vehicle, pulling up near Gaona's van. As many as six people may have been involved, according to Gaona.
The video shows individuals moving around the work van and carrying items toward the SUV before fleeing the scene. At one point, the SUV can be seen driving away with its rear hatch still open.
Gaona and his son had just arrived at the jobsite when his son went back outside to retrieve a part from the van and discovered the theft. It’d been about ten minutes since they had arrived to the job.
“He comes running back in saying they robbed us, and sure enough they took everything we had,” Gaona told KHOU 11.
The thieves made off with hand tools, power tools, plumbing equipment, and other parts Gaona had accumulated over years.
“They’re my livelihood,” Gaona said. “It’s how I make my living through these tools.”
Gaona said he is now borrowing tools from his son so he can continue working.
But the loss extends beyond the thousands of dollars in equipment. The thieves also took his son's college backpack, which contained schoolwork and notes for upcoming exams.
According to KHOU 11, Gaona said several wireless security cameras in the neighborhood failed to record during the roughly six-minute period when the theft occurred. However, a neighbor's hardwired surveillance camera continued recording and captured the incident.
Gaona suspects some type of signal jammer may have been used because of the unusual camera outage, although that has not been confirmed.
Harris County Constable Precinct 2 is investigating the theft, including whether signal interference may have played a role.
Investigators also shared several precautions owners of utility vans and mobile businesses can take to better protect their vehicles and equipment. These include using tracking devices on expensive tools or tool bags, installing cameras and audible vehicle alarms, and adding stronger or additional locking mechanisms.
Authorities also advise individuals not to confront thieves if they witness a break-in. Instead, they should contact law enforcement and report the crime.
Gaona hopes authorities are successful in identifying those responsible and can recover at least some of his stolen equipment and tools.
“I hope they catch ’em,” Gaona said.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Harris County Constable Precinct 2.
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