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Whit Johnson ReportingThe next time you're thinking about renting a storage unit you might want to consider where you rent and what you store. Authorities are calling storage burglaries a constant problem.
Authorities say more security can help, but the truth is no storage unit is completely safe from theft, and when it happens it can be devastating for a family.
Bonnie Jeppson, Belongings stolen: "Her journals, our family history and I had a seven-year old son who died, and took his scrapbook."
Just a few pictures are left of seven-year-old Nathan Jeppson.
Bonnie Jeppson: "He was stung by some bees in a field and that's what took him, and so that's why it would be important for us to try and find them."
The precious and priceless photographs were among the Jeppson family's belongings stolen from a rented storage unit. Owners of Highland Mini Storage say they've been burglarized before, but they're not alone.
Det. Doug Thornton, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: "They tend to go in spurts, but when they happen it's usually multiple units."
The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office says storage theft is a constant problem with at least a few break-ins a month.
Bonnie Jeppson, Belongings stolen: "It was a professional because they did cut the lock and then they put their lock on it."
That's why the Jeppson family didn't even know their belongings were taken until days later.
Det. Doug Thornton, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: "Unfortunately it's probably unlikely that they will be recovered because these people may have just grabbed something in haste and then disposed of it."
Not so comforting words for Bonnie Jeppson. She's still hoping people will come forward and bring back memories that no amount of money can replace.
Bonnie Jeppson: "Those are the only things we have left of him."
Authorities say if you do rent a storage unit, make sure you itemize all your belongings, serial numbers, make, model, things like that. If they're stolen, that way it's easier to track them.
Some guitars and other items were also stolen from the storage unit. The Jeppson family knows their chances of recovering everything are slim, but if you can help, give your local police department a call.
