COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa. (KMTV) — A Council Bluffs company that's usually fixing people's air conditioners and electrical issues is now having to fix their trucks so they can get to a job.
Al Ruby is used to fixing big mechanical issues. He owns ACM Heating, Cooling and Electrical.
Over the weekend, thieves made one problem he couldn't tackle -- they took the catalytic converters off of two of his work trucks.
"You'll look underneath there and you'll see that the catalytic converter was cut off off it,” said Ruby.
Both were parked inside the fence at his workshop near 19th and West Broadway. The thieves jumped over it and took off before anyone saw them.
Ruby said they made a temporary fix on one truck, but lost half a day's work.
“We got this coronavirus going on to begin with and it's hard to keep employees working and anytime that I've got to take money out of my pocket to fix the vehicle because of something like this, it really puts a load on us,” said Ruby. “Because the wife and I both make sure our employees are paid before we get paid."
Ruby said to fix both of the catalytic converters, it will cost about $2,800. They’ll have to replace the entire exhaust system on both trucks.
Police are investigating who's behind the theft. Ruby said they've been hit a few times over the years.
He hopes others will be on the lookout in the area because they could hit others. He’s adding security to keep it from happening again.
“Somewhere along the line, we've got to put a stop to it,” said Ruby. “I’d rather give him money than have them tear my vehicles up. It's costing me."
Contact the Council Bluffs Police Department with any information.
