Police search for stolen gelato company trucks

LAUDERHILL, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida business was targeted by thieves. Now, employees hope the crook gets caught after he made off with two freezer trucks worth more than $150,000.

Gelato Fino Desserts, a mom and pop shop, faces some difficulty since the robbery. "Yeah, everything is prepared by hand," said Holly Nelligan.

The 15 employees of Gelato Fino Dessert Company make everything from scratch for cruise lines, restaurants, country clubs and this is their busiest time of the year.

Their livelihood depends on this business, and the business depends on the trucks. Not just any trucks, but big trucks with huge refrigerator freezer units on top.

Friday night, two of the company's three specialized trucks were stolen. Surveillance cameras caught two thieves taking off with trucks. The pair knew how to disable the vehicles, kill switches and then drive them off. "The refrigeration unit alone is $15,000 to $25,000 for the unit," said Gregory Parker. "The total value of each truck is close to $80,000."

The company has basically suffered $160,000 in losses. "We've never suffered a loss like this in our 30 years of business," said Parker.

"We're a small business," said Nelligan, "and we have a large client base, and like I said, it's devastating to us. We work very, very hard, and it's a big hit."

The tracking systems were disabled somewhere in the area of Northwest Miami-Dade County, which just happens to be where so many used units like those are on sale.

A used refrigerator truck lot alone contains dozens and dozens of refrigeration units. Stolen refrigerator trucks are stripped and then dumped. "Then, the whole process with the insurance company," said Parker, "which may take quite a long time, and I need vehicles now. Right now."

If you have any information on where these trucks may be, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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