WINONA, Minn. – A thief drove off with $660 in tools from the fire-damaged Anova lawn-furniture factory on the Far East End. An employee arriving at work called police when he saw the truck leaving the property. One man was in the truck the employee told police. He didn't get a description or license plate number. This happened one week after a devastating fire at the factory. Stolen were a toolbox, a socket set, hand tools, a drill bit set, an auger bit, a paddle bit, a cordless drill, two laser tape measures, a wireless charger, safety glasses, and a safety helmet and vest.
No forced entry. Thief just wandered right in. The Anova plant is a tangle of gerry-built structures that confounded firefighters and also has rended post-fire security problematic. Image: Steve Lunde.