Support from the local area is being welcomed by a deaf construction crew after thousands of dollars in gear was taken while they labored at a Los Angeles residence amid stormy weather.
Neverless Construction Crew Targeted During Storm Roof Repair
Michael Litberg of Neverless Construction recently faced an unusual situation when he and his construction crew were at a Los Angeles home for a roof repair gig. The workers, who are deaf, were helping a customer during a storm when the theft occurred. Jan Menapace, the homeowner whose property the team was repairing, recalled realizing something was amiss once the workers descended from the roof to pause during a heavy downpour.
“At first, you didn’t know was happening,” Menapace said, describing how the guys were signing to each other and looking for something. When she asked what was going on, the workers told her that their tools were gone. According to Litberg, Menapace checked her residence’s surveillance footage and discovered that a pair of culprits drove up to the site and made off with the workers’ gear while the crew was indoors.
“I felt taken, deprived,” Litberg said of the incident. “This is our livelihood.”
Did You Know? The crew discovered the equipment theft after coming down from a roof repair job to take a break from the rain during a storm at a Los Angeles residence.
local residents replace stolen construction tools
Following the theft, an upset Menapace started an online fundraiser to help the construction crew. The effort struck a chord with the local community, who quickly stepped up to support the workers. Menapace noted that people would stop by to drop off lunch and call to offer trips to Home Depot to buy replacement tools.
Thanks to this public generosity, the crew quickly restocked everything they needed to finish the job. Litberg expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support. He also stated that he hopes to give back in the future by training other workers who are deaf and in need of a job.
community members investigate stolen construction equipment
What items were stolen from the construction crew?
The thieves took off with batteries, blades, a blower, and several power tools belonging to the Neverless Construction crew.
How was the theft discovered?
Jan Menapace noticed the workers signing to each other while looking for missing items during a break from the rain, after which she reviewed her home’s security cameras and found two thieves taking the equipment.
How did the community respond to the incident?
Menapace started an online fundraiser that prompted community members to drop off lunch and offer to purchase replacement tools at Home Depot.
How might local contractors better secure job sites against unexpected daytime equipment thefts during active service calls?
Worth a look