Theft is on the rise in Ohio.
In a shocking incident that has left a Rocky River family and the local community reeling, two rare vintage cars were stolen from a secure parking garage. The surveillance footage captured the moment the thieves made off with the cherished vehicles, sparking an intensive police investigation and a heartfelt appeal from the family.
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The theft, which occurred in a covered parking garage requiring a fob for entry, points towards a well-planned heist. The cars, a 1966 Chevy SS convertible and an early '70s Pontiac GTO, were not only locked but also covered, suggesting the perpetrators specifically targeted these classic treasures.
Mark Condrich, the owner of the Chevy SS for over two decades, expressed his disbelief and heartache. "It was a kick in the gut, really," Condrich lamented. His connection to the car runs deep, spanning 24 years - the same age as his son, Luke. This Chevy wasn't just a vehicle; it was a holder of family memories, from Luke riding in a car seat as a baby to driving it to his prom.
The loss of these cars transcends monetary value, with Condrich estimating the Chevy's worth between $45,000 and $65,000. "It really isn't about the money," he said, emphasizing the emotional significance of the vehicles to his family. "It's the memories."
The theft has mobilized the Rocky River police into action, with the family holding out hope for the cars' safe return. "I would expect them to do that, why wouldn’t they? You hear it all the time that people return if they can get away with it,” Condrich remarked, holding onto hope amid despair.
In response to this incident, the family is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of their beloved cars. Additionally, the garage is taking steps to enhance security, including installing more cameras, to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
This theft has not only robbed a family of their prized possessions but also a piece of their history. The Rocky River community now stands united in the hope of reuniting the Condrich family with their irreplaceable memories on wheels.
Source: Cleveland19