A family-run plumbing business lost more than $20,000 in equipment after thieves broke into a company van. Authorities are searching for suspect or suspects.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A Cypress plumbing business is dealing with a costly setback after thieves stole thousands of dollars in equipment from company vehicles.
The break-in happened early Wednesday morning at Joe the Plumber on Jarvis Road in the Cole’s Crossing area. Surveillance video given exclusively to KHOU 11 captured the moment a suspect smashed a window, causing the vehicle’s lights to flash, before taking items from inside.
Broken glass could still be seen scattered around the van, days later.
Luis Villarreal, vice president of the family-run business, said he discovered the damage when he arrived to open the shop Wednesday.
“I came around the front of the building, noticed the broken glass, and started looking around,” Villarreal said.
A quick look inside the van confirmed his concerns.
“I figured all tools were gone,” he said.
Villarreal estimates more than $20,000 worth of plumbing equipment was stolen, not including the damage to the vehicle. For the small business, he said the loss is significant.
“That was a hard impact. It was a really hard impact, because now, we’re having to start over, recuperate those tools. We have to pay again to get these tools,” Villarreal said.
Surveillance images give a clear look at one suspect, and it appears a second person may have also been on the property.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is investigating the theft and searching for those responsible.
“For someone to come and take them within five minutes, it hurts,” Villarreal said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Burglary and Theft Division at 713-274-9200.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.