Thief Steals $5,000 In Tools From Goodwill Manasota Trucks

Goodwill Industries Manasota is asking for the community's help after $5,000 worth of tools were stolen from three of its maintenance trucks Tuesday.

Goodwill discovered that thieves had cut through a parking lot fence at the organization's facilities parking lot on 15th Street East in Sarasota, breaking into three trucks and stealing $5,000 worth of hand tools, according to Goodwill.

"We are a service-based industry and the shameful theft of these tools hits us hard. But it also strikes at the community we serve," said Bob Rosinsky, president of Goodwill Manasota in a statement. "We're all victims of this crime. These thieves are preying on the good will of the Sarasota-Manatee community by stealing from a nonprofit that helps thousands of disadvantaged people in our community."

According to Rosinsky, the tools were not insured for theft.

"Unfortunately the tools that were stolen from our vehicles are not covered under insurance. We are looking at an increase in budget of more than $5,000 to replenish the tools and repair the trucks. This was an unconscionable act."

Rosinsky says that this is an "excellent time for the community to step up and show its goodwill. Your donations can undo the harm that this has caused."

Anyone with information about the theft can contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011.