Repair supplies stolen from tornado victim's driveway

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — One Little Rock couple's home repair abruptly stopped after supplies were stolen from their driveway in broad daylight.

Brad and Tammy Tebrugee were scheduled to have their roof repaired after the March 31st tornado blew a tree onto their home.

They now have to wait up to 6 more weeks after roof shingles and other materials were taken the week their roof was set to be fixed.

“It really just feels very violating and frustrating. Again that someone would prey on someone’s misfortune. And it’s like adding insult to injury. We’re already trying to recover from severe tornado damage and then to have your building materials and roof shingles stolen out of your driveway It’s just maddening," Tammy said.

On the evening of May 25th nearby homeowners Ring doorbells got footage of the theft.

Over $4,000 worth of items were stolen.

"Our neighbor across the street had called us as soon as she noticed that the... Most of the shingles that had been delivered were missing off the pallets and she checked her ring doorbell video... She was right across the street and got images of a truck that had backed into you know... The driveway," Tammy said.

The Tebrugees are urging the public to look out for their community just like their neighbors did, stating, "If you see something say something.".

"I think it's really important to be good neighbors at this point. Especially in the tornado-damaged areas and neighborhoods, so if you see something that looks out of the ordinary or something that looks suspicious definitely take note. Maybe take a picture, try too get a license plate... Call the police. Whatever you're comfortable with but don't just assume that it's normal or it's workers... They could be thieves... Because it is happening and it has happened throughout the neighborhood," Brad said.

In addition to police patrol in damaged areas the couple shared other ways to prevent theft.

"What we learned is not to leave materials or building materials exposed or vulnerable in your driveways that aren't either able to be locked up or secured inside the house or the have them covered maybe with a tarp. Or just have the items delivered right before the repairs start," Brad said.

As they move forward, the couple says they hope their story will save others from facing the same fate.