About $10,000 worth of tools stolen from Habitat for Humanity construction site in Waukesha
WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Workers at a Habitat for Humanity construction site woke up to an unpleasant surprise early Tuesday morning after more than 100 tools were stolen.
"A lot of our volunteers today feel like somebody punched them in the stomach," said Melissa Songco, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County.
The site, located at the 400 block of Oakland Avenue, is the first affordable housing neighborhood of its kind, and by far the largest project in the county.
"We've been building this since about August of 2022," said Director of Development and Marketing Brett Peloquin. "There will be two duplexes...and then we'll have 16 single family homes for 20 families."
When volunteers showed up to work at around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, they found the entrance gate open, with the lock cut and wires that were once wrapped, undone.
"A complete mess inside, with -- with many of our, you know, essential tools missing," added Peloquin.
Over 100 donated tools were stolen. Construction Director Scott Meissner said the tools were worth about $10,000.
"Battery-operated tools that, you know, anywhere from cordless drills to saws," he said. "We do have serial numbers on, you know, written down on all our tools that were missing...it'll say HFHWC, which is Habitat for Humanity Waukesha County."
A timelapse camera shows the burglars broke in while it was still dark out. Workers say police believe the burglary was likely a group effort.
Waukesha police confirmed to CBS 58 News that, as of Tuesday afternoon, they did not have anyone in custody.
Songco is asking the community for help.
"We can't build homes without tools," she said. "If they could come together to support us and help us get these job sites up and operational."