Jenkins Ford still offering $10K cash reward for information on Nov. 30 theft, vandalism

Monica Zalaznik
December 2, 2019

BUCKHANNON – Jenkins Ford is offering a $10,000 cash reward in exchange for information that leads to the arrest of the individuals who reportedly stole four truck wheels and a white box van from the car lot in the early morning hours of Saturday Nov. 30.

Investigating officer Cpl. V.J. Pyles with the Buckhannon detachment of the West Virginia State Police said as of Monday afternoon, the property had not been recovered and no related arrests had been made.

According to a press release from the WVSP, a white 2008 E-350 Ford Box van and four 19-inch wheels on a red 2019 Ford F-250 pickup truck were stolen from the lot between the hours of 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30.

Jenkins Ford posted the following message on their Facebook page Saturday: “We are issuing a $10,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for auto theft and destruction of property at Jenkins Ford in the early hours of Saturday, November 30, 2019.”

The WVSP release said individuals used a jack and stones to lift the Ford F-250 and remove its wheels and tires. In addition, the front left and rear left windows were destroyed, and the battery was unhooked. The release said the individuals used the factory lug wrench and tools from within the vehicle.

Jenkins Ford shared this image on their Facebook page to give viewers an idea of what the stolen wheels/tires looked like. / Photo courtesy Jenkins Ford

While troopers were canvassing the area to locate more evidence, they discovered that a white in color 2008 E-350 Ford Box van had been stolen from the lot as well, according to the release. Someone appeared to have busted the lock vault off the window of the vehicle with a hammer prior to driving it off the lot. The release said a video showed the box van was stolen first, and the individual or individuals returned later the same morning to steal the wheels.

According to the release, police believe several individuals are involved in the theft, which may be connected to similar thefts throughout central West Virginia. Anyone with information should contact Cpl. V.J. Pyles with the West Virginia State Police at 304-473-4200 or submit a crime tip here.