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BOUNTIFUL — A Bountiful teenager says his lawn care equipment was stolen in broad daylight, and a neighbor's surveillance camera caught the whole thing.
Thirteen-year-old Jacob and his brothers thought mowing lawns would be "a good thing to do," a prime opportunity to make some cash.
"We just decided to start saving money for our missions," he explained.
But on Monday, a job at a neighbor's house turned into a nightmare. Jacob left his equipment to go get gas for his lawn mower. Nearby surveillance video shows people in a dark gray SUV jump out and snatch a blower and weed eater.
Jacob returned seconds later to see his lawn care equipment gone.
"I got back and I'm looking down at the lawnmower where I put my equipment and the first thing I think is 'Oh no,'" he said. "And then the worst feeling of complete regret comes over me.
"(It was) the worst feeling I've ever felt," he added.
He said the equipment cost $600. The video also shows the vehicle circling the area five minutes before the brazen act.
"That's scary. I didn't even realize them because I was busy with the work," Jacob said.
Jacobs mom, Amie, said she's heartbroken but glad they can use this experience to warn others.
"We want to make sure that other people are aware that this kind of thing can happen, and just maybe warn people to be a little bit more careful," she said.
The individuals involved in the theft have not been identified at this time.
The family has started a GoFundMe* account to help Jacob buy new equipment.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.