Wellington County OPP are investigating the theft of two customized pickup trucks from the Fergus Truck Show parking lot last Saturday.
The vehicles were reportedly broken into and stolen from the parking lot of the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex some time between 6pm and midnight on July 27 – while the owners attended the truck show.
One truck is described as a 1996 white, lifted Chevrolet Silverado Z71 with a Cummins turbo diesel engine. The truck was outfitted with chrome accessories and Toyo MT 38×15.5R20 tires on American Eagle rims and was discovered missing around 11pm, when its owner attempted to leave the show.
Wellington OPP media relations officer Gary Barnhardt said the estimated value of the truck (licence number 249-7ZD) is pegged at about $33,000.
The second theft, according to the OPP, occurred between 8:30pm and midnight on July 27. Stolen was a 2002 Silverado with licence number AA81365.
The second truck is also white and equipped with a lift kit, chrome rims, large mud tires and an “Oakley” sticker on the tailgate and with two white whip antennas on the truck box. Barnhardt declined to speculate on the value of the second truck.
The officer also declined to speculate the thefts of similar vehicles were related.
“I think it was just strictly coincidence,” he said.
The officer also believes the thefts would not have attracted any particular attention, considering the number of customized vehicles at the show.
“It’s the Fergus Truck Show. There’s going to be all kinds of customized trucks driving around,” he added.
Barnhardt believes there was periodic security of the parking lot, but maintained most security would have been on the show grounds.
Police are asking anyone who might have information about the thefts to contact Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at crimestoppersguelphwellington.com.
The owner of the 1996 truck is also appealing to the public for help.
“Anyone that has seen this truck or has any information please contact … Adam at 519-820-7917,” states a letter to the editor sent to the Advertiser.
