A recent theft targeting a Florence tree service company is adding to concerns about equipment thefts affecting contractors across the Shoals.
Tree Pro Incorporated is still searching for answers after 16 chainsaws were stolen overnight on April 1 from its work site near Chisholm Road, marking one of the largest reported losses of its kind in the area in recent months.
According to local reports, the incident is not isolated. A similar theft was recently reported in nearby Tuscumbia, raising the possibility that tree service crews may be increasingly targeted for high-value equipment.
For Tree Pro, the impact was immediate.
When crews arrived for work that morning, they initially believed the equipment had simply been moved. It wasn’t until they checked multiple trucks that the reality became clear.
“I don’t know if we’ve ever taken a hit quite like this,” said General Foreman Levi Nicholls.
“So many saws and so many trucks at one time. Not on this level — it doesn’t happen very often.”
According to Nicholls, someone entered the property overnight and broke locks off compartments on multiple bucket trucks, making off with the chainsaws.
The theft is estimated to have cost the company nearly $20,000, not including the additional expense of replacing the equipment to stay on schedule.
Crews spent several hours scrambling to find replacement saws before heading out to complete jobs already on the calendar.
“It slows down the process definitely,” Nicholls said.
“But we rounded up what we needed to get by through the day… we’ve got to keep the show rolling.”
Florence Police are investigating the incident, and the company has taken steps to limit the chances of the equipment being resold.
Nicholls said local pawn shops have been alerted about the stolen chainsaws, noting that while the tools are valuable, they may be difficult for thieves to offload without raising suspicion.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
As the investigation continues, Nicholls had a direct message for those responsible:
“I’d tell them I hope the law catches up with you before we do.”
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
