FRANKLIN—On reading about recent thefts of HVAC units from Isle of Wight County churches, a Franklin man wants to let people know about a break-in that occurred this past weekend at his place of business.

David Wright, owner and president of Franklin Truck and Trailer Service Inc., told The Tidewater News on Friday that thieves broke in and took off with what he called “a substantial amount of inventory.”

Located in the 33000 block of Lees Mill Road, the business is in a place that Wright describes as “a bit isolated,” and gets periodic checks from Isle of Wight County deputies.

“We just got a call at approximately 10 a.m. Saturday,” he said. “The police were doing a routine check and discovered a door was open. Then they notified us.”

By the time Wright had arrived, the area had been searched, but no suspects had been found.

“They had pried open a door. Tires, batteries, oil, antifreeze, that sort of thing, and of course miscellaneous truck parts were stolen,” he said. “They were primarily interested in equipment and tires. They knew what they were looking for. They also ransacked the parts department and an office.”

Wright believes more than one person had to be involved in order to carry out many of the items, such as tires, which can weight about 75 to 80 pounds apiece.

A value on the stolen goods has not yet been determined, he added.

“Nothing like this has happened before,” said Wright.

He’s offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the thieves.

Call the IOW Sheriff’s Office at 357-2151 or Wright at 562-3471 if you have such details.