Stolen cars recovered, but mechanic loses tools and livelihood

ZOE FRALEY - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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BELLINGHAM - Both cars stolen from the Smith Kia dealership on Saturday, March 14, have been recovered by local law enforcement.

But the news isn't so good for the dealership's mechanic, Tim Griffith, 43, who had 20 years' worth of tools stolen as well. The tools were nowhere to be found when the van was discovered on Kentucky Street Sunday or when the truck was found in Maple Falls the day after that.

"When I walked into the shop on Saturday after they called me and I saw my whole livelihood gone, I was just sick to my stomach. I still am," Griffith said. "I don't know how to do anything else. I can't go out and get another job in my profession because I don't have the tools."

HOW TO HELP MECHANIC
Anyone interested in donating money, tools or any other assistance for Tim Griffith can call K.J. Prickett at Smith's Kia, 715-3455.

Griffith estimates the tools will cost about $30,000 to replace, and the theft isn't covered by his homeowner's insurance or the dealership's insurance.

"I've got a wife and (16-year-old) daughter, and I don't know how I'm going to support them," the Birch Bay resident said. "I don't have $30,000."

Management at the dealership couldn't be reached Thursday, but salesman K.J. Prickett said the dealership has brought in a technician from Burlington to cover for Griffith until he gets some tools together.

While the financial impact is difficult, the theft has taken an emotional toll on Griffith. In the stolen toolbox were ignition distributor wrenches Griffith inherited when his father died about six years ago.

"That's the only thing I had (from him)," he said. "It's just absolutely devastating. I feel like somebody just cut off both my arms."

The theft investigation is still open, and Bellingham Police Officer Mark Young said there is still a chance the tools will be recovered.

"I've been doing this long enough to know that things that have been stolen can have a tendency to show up in a variety of places," Young said. "It's something we always keep an eye out for."

Anyone with information about the theft should call the Bellingham Police Department at 778-8687.

The Smith Kia dealership's owner is donating some money for Griffith to restock his tools. Prickett is putting up a $100 reward for anyone who returns the tools, no questions asked.

"He's just a real nice family guy," Prickett said of Griffith. "They didn't just steal from us, they took this guy's livelihood. It would be like me coming to work and there being no cars here."

Reach Zoe Fraley at zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com or call 756-2803.