LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. - A builder called deputies when he discovered missing appliances from a Habitat for Humanity home.
The worker first noticed water equipment missing on the side of the house. He then found markings around the front door that showed the lock was pried open to gain entry.
The Habitat for Humanity worker told deputies the stove, washer, drier, and refrigerator were all gone. The site also reported several stolen power tools as well.
"It's pitiful that someone would actually steal from anyone," Gary Aubuchon said. "To steal from someone who going through a difficult phase in their life is especially bad," he added.
Aubuchon has participated in several Habitat for Humanity builds. He sits on the board for Lee county. He has experience of building materials taken from his work sites in the past, but said this time it really stings for the organization.
"Habitat has limited resources," Aubuchon said. "Innocent people are going to suffer. It's really a shame that someone would stoop to this level," he added.
He hopes that the donor community can rally together to help replace the stolen appliances. It would go a long way to help Habitat for Humanity and less fortunate families.
"Good people rise to the occasions and give back," Aubuchon said. "Let's hope the donor community here rises to this occasion as well," he added.
A neighbor told deputies he saw a maroon suburban one day at the site. The worker told the sheriff's office no one was supposed to be at the site.
