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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Professional handyman Dave Beckwith is asking thieves to return about $4,500 to $5,500 worth of tools and equipment stolen from the back of his pick-up truck Monday night.

Tools and other work equipment valued between $4,500 and $5,500 were reported stolen from a work truck owned by self-employed property maintainer Dave Beckwith on Monday night. Beckwith said he plans to look at video footage captured by surveillance cameras in the area where the theft took place. - Daron Letts/NNSL photo

"I'm not going to press charges or ask questions; I just want my tools back," Beckwith said. "These tools are used for my livelihood. I just want my stuff back so I can continue making a living."

Beckwith is missing skill saws, a mitre compound saw, plumbing torches and equipment, a fire extinguisher, a Canon digital camera, and two air compressors, the largest of which weighs about 60 lbs.

"You would have to put a lot of effort into lifting it over the edge," Beckwith said. "It would have to take more than one person to do it."

The theft occurred while as Beckwith worked a shift from 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. on Monday evening. The 2011 white Ford F150 four-by-four truck was parked in the alley directly behind Raven Pub.

Beckwith said all four truck tires were flat, with evidence someone tried unsuccessfully to slash them before removing the caps to release the air. Fingerprints on the door handle and other evidence indicate the unlocked vehicle was entered during the theft, but all of the stolen items were taken from the truck bed.

Beckwith said he filed a report with the RCMP on Tuesday morning and is collecting surveillance footage from area businesses, but maintains all he wants are his tools back.

The RCMP did not return phone calls by press time.

"It's tough as it is, living in the North, without having to deal with people stealing from you," he said. "They can drop the stuff off at the RCMP station, no questions asked."

Beckwith works as a self-employed property maintainer under his company name, 24 Handyman. This is the only major theft he has experienced after almost 30 years in Yellowknife.

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