Dean and Janice Labadie moved their longtime Davis business, Strelitzia Flower Company, from downtown to Second Street near Mace Boulevard in 2008, enticed by lower rent and more plentiful parking.
But the relocation came with unfortunate drawbacks: the Labadies say they’ve been repeated targets of crime, from a burglary to multiple acts of vandalism and fuel thefts, including damage to two box trucks and a van just last week that resulted in pricey repairs.
“It just keeps happening,” said Dean Labadie, who added that his work vehicles have had fuel siphoned from them every few months by thieves who cut the gas lines. He estimates his losses have ranged from $8,000 to $10,000.
“It’s threatening our business, to have this kind of stuff going on,” he said.
The theft of their landlord’s trailer on the property last year led to a security camera being installed, and thieves stole that as well, Labadie said. A second camera has since captured images of the alleged fuel thief, along with the license-plate number to his vehicle, which have been forwarded to police. Labadie believes the same person targeted his business on several occasions.
“He’s a serial siphoner,” said Labadie, noting that the suspect’s vehicle appeared to be filled with multiple fuel containers. He is speaking out to ensure other local businesses are on alert about the theft activity.
“He’s got to be doing it at other places,” Labadie said.
Davis police Lt. Tom Waltz, who oversees the Davis Police Department’s investigations division, says the Strelitzia crimes have been assigned to a detective who is working to determine the thief’s identity.
“We are investigating their case,” Waltz said. So far, there have been no arrests.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact police at 530-747-5400.
— Reach Lauren Keene at lkeene@davisenterprise.net or 530-747-8048. Follow her on Twitter at @laurenkeene