IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) — What began as a routine workday at Iberia Aggregates quickly turned into a costly crime scene.

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office said nearly $5,000 worth of heavy-duty tools and equipment were stolen during an early morning break-in on Sept. 26.

Deputies said the suspect broke into company trucks and toolboxes, taking a 20-ton hydraulic jack, a generator and other construction equipment before fleeing the property.

Connor Stine said he learned about the theft shortly after one of his employees arrived at the yard and discovered missing tools.

“I called my wife, who works in the office, and told her to start checking the cameras,” Stine said. “Within an hour, we saw a man walking around the trucks, opening doors and toolboxes. The day before, another man had come by claiming he was looking for a job, but detectives think it was the same guy scoping the yard before the theft.”

Stine said their surveillance footage clearly shows the suspect moving through the property, and he and his father are now offering a $1,000 reward for the recovery of the stolen items.

“We’re offering $1,000 if they’re found and brought back to us,” Stine said.

Owner James Stine said he appreciates the Sheriff’s Office for its quick response and ongoing patrols around the business.

“Law enforcement is doing a good job,” he said. “They’ve been surveilling our place pretty regularly. Our cameras worked and our lights were on he just knew exactly what he was looking for.”

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information about the theft to contact their office or submit a tip anonymously through the department’s mobile app.

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