PLOVER, Wis. (WSAW) – Someone cut through a fence at the end of May, broke into equipment trailers and got away with about $95,000 in Milwaukee-brand tools from a solar farm.
Sheriff Mike Lucas said investigators are working to determine whether the solar farm was specifically targeted.
“I don’t know if this was targeted in regards to the solar farm. We don’t know. We’re looking in regards to, you know, somebody had to know that there was that much equipment out there. So we’re working on that angle also,” Lucas said.
The 130 items missing include multiple wire cutters, grease guns, about 80 batteries, more than 40 half-inch impact guns and a couple of small generators. The theft happened near Monroe Avenue between Prairie and Forest drives off of Highway 54.
Investigators collected evidence at the scene, including tire impressions, and have serial numbers for all the tools. Lucas warned buyers that if they purchase stolen tools — often sold online or trafficked out of state — the items can be seized and they could lose their money or even face charges if they knowingly buy stolen property.
“A good idea is to maybe write down that license plate of the person that you got that from, because if by chance we come and knocking on your door and we take that equipment back, you actually have something that maybe can assist in recouping some of your money,” Lucas said.
He is asking the public to watch for bulk Milwaukee tools being sold “too good to be true.” Lucas said thefts of this scale raise costs that ultimately get passed on to consumers through higher prices and insurance premiums.
Anyone with information about this or any crime can contact Portage County Crime Stoppers through the P3 app, call the number provided or submit a tip online. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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