ARKANSAS COMPUTER HARD DRIVE STOLEN FROM CAR DEALERSHIPNWAnews.com :: Northwest Arkansas' News SourceTheft of vehicles shatters man’s American dream
By Rachel Lianna Davis Staff Writer racheld@nwanew

Posted on Sunday, January 9, 2005

URL: http://www.nwanews.com/story/bcdr/16089

BENTONVILLE — A start-up business may not even get off the ground because three pricey vehicles were stolen Friday night.

Shane Willis saved up for the last 2 1/2 years to open his own used car dealership, 4 Star Used Auto Sales at 1403 Moberly Lane.

Now, he may not be able to open at all.

At about 9 a.m. Saturday, Willis discovered that someone stole three cars and broke into the dealership’s back window. The burglar stole a computer hard drive and a lock cabinet that holds all the keys and car titles. "They took my three best cars," he said. "We probably won’t even get to open now. We spent all the money we had saved."

The dealership had not opened, and this Monday — Jan. 10 — was supposed to be opening day. Willis is a contractor for Cox Communications, so the dealership would be a side business for him. "We just want to give a few people jobs, and people can get a better deal," he said. "We’ve been putting a lot into it for a month now."

Willis has insurance on the cars, but he did not have theft insurance for the dealership. He will have to replace all the paperwork and car titles, as well as make keys for the remaining vehicles.

He estimated the cost for the three cars is about $17,000, but with title and key costs, that amount could jump to $20,000.

Sgt. Jon Simpson with the Bentonville Police Department said officers spent the better part of the morning at the scene collecting fingerprints. "We do have some evidence. We’re waiting to confirm what vehicles were taken," Simpson said. Because the computer hard drive with backup information was taken, Willis does not have the VIN numbers on hand. "As soon as we get VIN numbers, we’ll get them entered as stolen vehicles," Simpson said.

Simpson could not say if the burglar was a professional, but "Considering that the vehicles were taken along with paperwork and backup information, I would say somebody definitely gave it some thought," he said.

The three vehicles stolen are:

• a 1999 Ford F-150 pickup truck;

• a 1999 Ford Mustang;

• a 2000 Ford Explorer.

The police report states that Willis reported four missing cars; however, one car was found at the shop manager’s house. "We drove by last night and everything was fine," said Christine Martinez, Willis’ sister. Martinez’s husband works in the detail shop behind the car dealership.

Willis did not know who robbed him, but "we’ve got a couple of ideas," he said. When asked what he will do now, Willis said he will probably sell the remaining vehicles and "save for a couple more years."