Landscaper’s livelihood stolen

Dennis Smith wants his tractor back.

Thieves pulled into Smith’s driveway over the Labor Day weekend and apparently drove away with Smith’s tractor and the trailer he used to haul it.

Smith said he doesn’t know who took the tractor, but he’s decided to offer a $1,000 reward for its return, convinced the police won’t spend much effort to locate it.

The tractor is a green Yanmar with a front-end loader and a grader blade. It was stolen from his driveway at 13220 E. Saltese Ave.

Smith owns L.M. Landscaping and said he’s had to delay jobs because he doesn’t have the tractor, which he uses to prepare yards and to dig ponds.

“My life and business depend on that. It’s heartbreaking, really,” Smith said.

He reported the theft to Crime Check, but said he has never gotten a call from the Spokane Valley Police Department and worries they won’t spend much time looking for it.

Police spokesman Cpl. Dave Reagan said that from the report, it doesn’t look like there were any leads for police to pursue. Smith said he doesn’t know of anyone who might have witnessed the theft and has no suspects.

Smith estimates the stolen trailer and tractor would cost him approximately $12,000 to replace. He’s still trying to figure out whether insurance will cover any of the loss, but didn’t seem optimistic.

Smith said he’ll give the reward to anyone who returns the tractor, even if it’s the alleged thief. For more information, contact Smith at 926-3843.