An animal welfare agency’s van was stolen Wednesday from a shopping center in Pico Rivera.
The 2002 Ford Econoline E150 cargo van, which belongs to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, was taken from in front of the PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center at the Pico Rivera Town Center about 9 a.m.
An employee was unloading animals and had the van’s climate controls on, “so it’s possible that the perp was watching and took their opportunity to grab the van,” spcaLA’s Ana Bustilloz said.
Inside the van were 20 stainless steel pet crates, veterinary paperwork, pet supplies and personal items — but no animals, according to Bustilloz.
“The thief, or thieves, didn’t just take an old van and a few crates — they took precious time and resources away from abandoned and abused animals,” said spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein. “It is shameless and cowardly to steal from a charity, especially a local organization like spcaLA.”
The white van’s license plate number is 6Z25146.
Anyone with information regarding the van’s whereabouts was urged to call the Los Angeles County sheriff’s Pico Rivera Station at (562) 949-2421.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
Original article: https://mynewsla.com/crime/2018/05/16/spca-van-stolen-in-pico-rivera-2/