OZARK, Ala. (WDNews) — Two Ozark funeral homes were recently targeted by thieves who stole stretchers from funeral home vans, leaving the businesses without critical equipment used to transport the deceased.
According to Funeral Director John Cawley of Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home, stretchers were stolen from vans at both Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home and Holman Funeral Home.
Cawley said the theft at Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home occurred in broad daylight at approximately 6:19 p.m. on July 16. He said there is reason to believe the suspects were not from the Ozark area.
According to Cawley, security cameras captured the theft in progress at Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home, and the Ozark Police Department is investigating.
Cawley said the stolen stretchers are specialized equipment that funeral homes rely on every day to serve families and that replacing them is costly.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their property.
“Residents should lock their doors, day or night, even if you have security cameras,” Cawley said. “If you see something out of the ordinary, say something.”
