Thousands of stolen items recovered and returned to theft victims in one mountain county

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — It's only five months into the new year and the Haywood County Sheriff's Office has already recovered almost $200,000 in stolen property and returned it to the victims.

Investigators say tools and yard equipment are the most stolen items.

TWO MEN FACE FELONY CHARGES AFTER ATTEMPTED THEFT, AUTHORITIES SAY

The sheriff's office is reporting 44 cases in 2023.

That includes big items too like an $80,000 excavator.

Investigators say it's rewarding when they're able to return stolen property

“When we're able to provide that service to people whose lives have been violated, it's a really good feeling and that's what encourages us to keep going,” says Lt. Dustin Toon.

THIEVES MAKE OFF WITH THREE VEHICLES AFTER DEALERSHIP BREAK-IN

Toon says a variety of techniques are used to find and return stolen goods, including tips from the community, social media and hitting the streets.

He says the sheriff's office has a good working relationship with nearby law enforcement agencies.