Wichita police investigate extensive theft from city property

Wichita police are seeking the public’s help in solving the theft of several pieces of property from a city building in south Wichita over the weekend.

Sometime between 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. Sunday, a white 2007 Chevy Truck and tandem axle trailer were stolen from the city of Wichita building at 5300 S. Meridian. The truck had city of Wichita markings and the Kansas tag number of 69402.

It was one of two city trucks with tandem axle trailers stolen, Lt. James Espinoza said, but one of those trucks and trailers was found a few blocks from the storage shed.

Also taken were a Bobcat utility vehicle, a Stihl edger, Stihl power pruner, three Stihl chain saws, four Stihl backpack leaf blowers, seven Stihl weed eaters and a red Craftsman tool box with miscellaneous tools.

We’re going to assume there’s multiple suspects,” Espinoza said.

A window was broken at the storage shed, he said, but it’s not clear yet how the thieves broke into the building.

The estimated value of the vehicles and equipment stolen approaches $100,000, Espinoza said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the thefts to call Detective Gordon at 316-268-4453 or e-mail MGordon@wichita.gov.

This story was originally published August 19, 2014 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Wichita police investigate extensive theft from city property."