15 heavy truck ECMs stolen in Florida

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Ocala Star Banner / June 30, 2015

Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating the removal of more than $25,000 worth of equipment from businesses over the weekend.

The first incident was reported Sunday at 484 Tire Service at 2160 SW County Road 484. A man told a deputy he left his 2006 freightliner parked there around 8:30 p.m. Friday. On Sunday, he said he found that someone had stolen the electronic control module (ECM), which is the computer for the vehicle’s engine. The vehicle will not start without the part, which was valued at approximately $4,000.

Another trucker at the same location told authorities someone had broken into his 2002 Peterbilt and had taken the ECM. He said replacing the missing part would cost him about $5,000.

On Monday, shortly before 9 a.m., a deputy went to Hay Movers LLC at 3383 W. County Road 326, where the owner said two of his semi trucks had the ECMs removed, probably between Saturday afternoon and Monday morning. They were valued at $3,200.

As the deputy was taking that report, a deputy was called to Woody’s Truck Sales and Parts at 8985 NW Gainesville Road, where ECMs had been stolen from five semi trucks and six other engines. They were together valued at $14,400. The owner said he believes the burglary occurred between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Anyone with information can call MCSO at 732-9111 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text a tip to 274637, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.