Introduction
In a brazen theft that has left a St. Louis small business reeling, thieves made off with seven golf carts in the early hours of Thursday morning. The crime took place at the Lymph Brewery Business Park, where the company, Getaway Cart, is located. The incident has sparked a police investigation and raised concerns among the business owners and the local community.
The Incident
The robbery occurred sometime after 2:00 AM on Thursday morning. The thieves targeted Getaway Cart, a business known for selling and renting golf carts, including high-end models often used at vacation homes and resorts. The robbers not only stole the golf carts but also made off with valuable items accumulated by the business over the years.
The stolen golf carts were brand-new, adding to the financial blow suffered by the business. In addition to the carts, the thieves also took lithium batteries, which are essential components of the electric vehicles. The exact value of the stolen goods has not been disclosed, but the business owners have indicated that it amounts to tens of thousands of dollars.
Discovery and Aftermath
The theft was discovered when a customer, who lives near the Lymph Brewery Business Park, noticed one of the stolen golf carts in the middle of a nearby street. The cart had apparently rolled over and was left inoperable by the thieves. The customer immediately contacted the owners of Getaway Cart, who then realized that multiple carts had been stolen.
Fred Ackerman, one of the co-owners of Getaway Cart, expressed his frustration and disbelief at the situation. Ackerman, along with his two business partners and longtime friends, has built the golf cart business from scratch over the past decade. The theft is a significant setback for the company, which has become a top seller of golf carts in the St. Louis area.
Despite the loss, Ackerman and his partners are determined to move forward. “This is a setback for our business, but we will motor on,” Ackerman stated, emphasizing their resolve to continue operating and serving their customers.
Police Investigation
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the robbery. On Monday afternoon, one of the stolen golf carts was recovered just a few blocks away from the business. The cart was found on its side, further indicating the reckless nature of the thieves’ getaway.
Police are urging anyone with information about the theft to come forward. The stolen golf carts are distinctive, bearing the Getaway Cart logo, and police believe that the visibility of the logo could aid in their recovery. Crime Stoppers has also been involved in the investigation, offering a reward for information that leads to the recovery of the stolen property and the apprehension of the suspects.
Impact on the Business
The theft has had a profound impact on Getaway Cart, not just financially but emotionally as well. The owners have lost not only the golf carts but also personal items with significant sentimental value. Ackerman expressed a deep desire to recover the stolen items, stating, “I just want my stuff back… there’s tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of my personal stuff that was stolen on top of the golf carts.”
The owners are now faced with the challenge of rebuilding and replenishing their inventory. While the theft has undoubtedly been a major setback, Ackerman and his partners are committed to ensuring that the business continues to thrive. They have vowed to take measures to prevent future incidents and to work closely with the authorities to bring the thieves to justice.
Conclusion
The robbery at Getaway Cart is a stark reminder of the challenges small businesses face, not only in terms of competition and economic pressures but also in dealing with criminal activities. As the investigation continues, the owners of Getaway Cart remain hopeful that their stolen property will be recovered and that those responsible will be held accountable. In the meantime, they are focusing on moving forward and continuing to serve their customers, determined not to let this setback define their business.
