Surveillance video captures log splitter theft

NILES, Mich. -- A log splitter worth $1800 was stolen from the Niles Tractor Supply Company just after 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Deputies say similar thefts were reported in Michiana last week.

The store manager of the Tractor Supply Company thinks someone was watching him because he closed the store, made sure the alarm system was armed and ten minutes later he got a call from the alarm company.

"Some of the sister stores north of us had items stolen off the sidewalk after closing hours. So I had made an effort to walk the sidewalk and make sure our security was in place,” said Tim Reichanadter, store manager Tractor Supply Company.

Similar thefts were reported at a tractor supply company in Mishawaka and Grand Rapids last week.

"Typically when this kind of thing happens, it's a pattern and it happens store after store after store,” said Reichanadter.

Reichanadter said the theft happened fast.

"They worked pretty quickly. They were out in just three and a half minutes the detectives told us,” said Reichanadter.

The log splitter stolen from the Niles Tractor Supply Company is six feet long and has a huge steel beam with a hydraulic cylinder on it.

Surveillance video shows the suspect driving away in a maroon and silver pickup truck.

If you have any information, call the Berrien County Sheriff's Department.