ESCONDIDO, Calif. (KGTV) - Surveillance video shows a thief going shopping overnight at a trailer company in Escondido.
"It's heartbreaking," said Alea Barreto, manager at Norco Trailers.
Barreto says on Saturday night, video shows a pickup truck parked outside their fence. Nearby, a man appears to be scoping things out. The next night, just before midnight, he's back. He retrieves something from the truck and uses it to cut a hole in the fence.
Once that happens, he backs his truck through the hole and onto the property, before he begins hauling away trailers. On the video, a man in a hoodie is seen browsing the lot. He hitches a landscaping trailer, but before he can get it out, the trailer becomes detached. He attaches it and drives off.
"Every time I watch it, it's more painful," said Barreto.
The pain is felt over and over. Not long after the truck is seen leaving, the truck is back and hauling away another trailer. Within a few hours, four trailers are stolen. Three of the thefts are caught on video. The total loss is about $25,000.
The company is insured, but a possible hike in insurance rates is not worth it. They've decided to eat the cost. The business is a family-owned shop.
"Just trying to put food on the family table, and nope, someone else feels like they deserve it instead," said Barreto.
The truck is believed to be a silver GMC or Chevy pickup. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 888-580-8477.
