‘Shocked’: Perth County excavation business has all heavy equipment stolen in one night

A Perth County construction business has reopened after all of its heavy equipment was stolen. CTV’s Scott Miller explains.

Isaac Rapien is back in business, after having his fleet of heavy equipment stolen Sunday night.

“They rolled in here, I think, around 9:30 at night. We confirmed that with some security footage from Dublin, and they went from there, I guess,” said Rapien.

Everything he needed to run his excavation business near Staffa was stolen that night — a skid steer, float trailer, dump truck, and mini-excavator, all taken — meaning he couldn’t work.

His full time job since the theft, has been finding his stolen equipment, so he can get his business back up and running.

“It was shock at first, and then I just didn’t know what to do. I got a real big headache over the last couple days. Hadn’t really slept,” he said.

Following tips from the public, Rapien said his trailer was found on Monday. His mini-excavator and skid-steer were located near Fordwich, yesterday. And his dump truck, was just recovered by police in London, today. He credits police, and the community, for sending in tips about his livelihood’s whereabouts.

“They mean everything. The community is great. My grandpa started this business, and then dad had his own business for a long time, and now I’m on my own. So, they supported him, and his kids, and now me as an adult, and hopefully some more kids here soon,” said Rapien.

He went on to say the thieves would have had to be pretty organized to take such large pieces of equipment, all at once. Adding, police told him that thieves repaint the items, and then rent them out, for cheap.

Rapien isn’t sure if that was the plan for his equipment, he’s just happy he’s got it back so he can get back to work, and that a security system is definitely next on his list.

“That’s, on the list now. But you know, it helps a lot, but it doesn’t say this is the guy. And even if it does, it seems like it doesn’t matter. It’s sad that it’s come to that, but I guess it has,” said Rapien.