Two Hutchinson contractors had work vehicles broken into overnight Feb. 4-5, resulting in the theft of almost $14,000 in hand tools, power tools and other equipment, according to the Hutchinson Police Department.

A resident of the 1100 block of Blackhawk Drive Southwest called police at 7:16 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, to report someone had apparently punched out the locks on a white Chevrolet Express cargo van parked outside the home. Tools and other items worth $8,325 were stolen.

The van had been parked at 7:30 p.m. the night before. The owner found the vehicle with an open sliding door the next morning.

The second incident was reported at 11:23 a.m. A Hutchinson Plumbing and Heating work van left overnight in the 900 block of Merrill Street Southwest had exterior storage areas opened. Tools, a torch and other items worth $5,598 were missing.

– Terry Davis