Trailer Theft Takes Man's Dream

By Lori Fullbright, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Trailer thefts are such a common crime in Green Country, one officer calls it an epidemic. Thieves have taken trailers from boy scouts, bands and newlyweds. Now, they've stolen a man's life-long dream.

Unfortunately, this crime is not new. The News On 6 did a story in the early 90's, where one Green Country town had 2,000 trailers stolen in a single year.

A utility trailer, filled with professional landscaping equipment was attached to a Chevy Cheyenne pick-up on Wednesday afternoon, parked in front of a yard. While a worker was mowing in back, someone drove off with all of it.

"That's how I feed my children, how I put a roof over my head," said Jack Hummel.

Hummel has owned the business more than 20 years and planned to retire in just two more. He's so devastated by the $70,000 loss, he can barely talk about it.

"I want my truck back. I don't know how I'm going to take care of my family, uh, I don't know what else to say," said Hummel.

The truck had liability insurance only; the trailer was insured, but not the contents, which includes two $9,000 X-mark laser Z mowers, trimmers, blowers and more.

Officers say many stolen trailers are taken out of state.

Hummel hopes his is still here and it'll be found, so he can get back on track next week.

Hummel was asked what he is going to do.

"I don't know. I've been awake for two days trying to figure that out," said Hummel.

Thieves have no idea how their actions affect people's lives. This theft has altered Jack's entire future.

"Little place in Peru, little hotel. It's always been my dream to buy that hotel and turn it into something nice, on the ocean, the Pacific. That's where I was going to retire. Not gonna do that now," said Hummel.

Anyone with information in this case should call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS. Hummel is offering an additional reward.

Hummel had registered his trailer with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, so it can be identified and returned to him, if found.

It might even be worth it, to attach a GPS tracking unit to your trailer.