Nearly a year after purchasing an old lumber yard in his hometown, Spencer Linville said he’s been a victim of crime.
Someone broke into Linville’s hardware store and lumber yard, River Valley Supply. The Butler County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the crime, which likely happened between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
“It’s real frustrating,” Linville said. “Yeah, it’s stuff, but you can always buy more stuff. It’s just the idea that we’ve worked hard. All my guys — we’ve worked hard to make this thing work and then somebody just breaks in and takes what’s not theirs. It’s been discouraging. It’s been hard to come back to work, but we’ll be alright.”
It’s at least an $11,000 loss for Linville.
Items taken include an air compressor, oxygen bottles, copper wire and truck. The work truck was the most expensive item stolen. Linville said it’s a white 2000 GMC pickup truck with the River Valley Supply logo its sides.
“It’s a sick feeling to know that that someone would break in and steal something that’s been worked hard for and they just take it,” he said.
It’s a tough break for the young entrepreneur.
At 24 years old, he’s helped bring the business back to life. It had been a fixture in Douglass since the 1970’s, but was among the many stores closing in town. He purchase the company and opened it in April.
“It’s a ton of work, but I enjoy it. I couldn’t put in 75 hours a week if I hated it,” he said.
Linville has already started adding extra security measures this week. He hopes to get the big-ticket items back.
“It’s been discouraging. It’s been hard to come back to work, but we’ll keep doing it so we’ll be all right,” Linville said.