Snowplow swiped in Cambridge City

Cambridge City police are attempting to recover a stolen snowplow, as its disappearance has slowed town employees’ abilities to clear streets.

The plow was stolen late Jan. 13 or early Jan. 14 from outside the town garage, 152 S. Green St., said Clerk-Treasurer Sherry Ervin.

Workers had parked the plow outside the garage to make room for furniture for the new performance venue behind the fire station.

Joe Webb, the town’s superintendent of public works, said it was an old white Chevy 2500 with a Western Pro Plus 8-foot plow.

At least one resident reported hearing the plow in action at that time, but assumed it was being used for town business. It took the thief some time to learn how to lift the blade, so the plow left marks in the Circle Drive area on the town’s southwest side, Ervin said.

The thief also removed the magnets on the plow’s side identifying it as town property, Ervin said.

Beyond missing the stolen plow, other equipment has been out of service for mechanical issues, leading to delays in snow removal that have frustrated some residents, Ervin said, but when those residents learn the reasons, they’re generally more understanding.

Webb said the town is facing several equipment challenges, noting the engine is shot on the old red dump truck that had the new plow, and the clutch went out on the town’s other plow/spreader. Workers are currently using an old Chevy dump truck with a 10-foot plow and its original spreader, along with a backhoe and skid steer, to clear what they can.

“It has been quite a struggle during this storm, but we are doing our best with the equipment we have available,” Webb said.

Based on Flock surveillance camera footage, the plow is last believed to have been seen in the Lafayette area, Ervin said.

To share information about the plow’s disappearance or whereabouts, call 765-478-1231 or email cambridgecitypolice@hotmail.com.