The Tom’s House of Pizza charity trailer, stolen out of Okotoks last week, was found by RCMP in a campground near Carstairs. The custom-built trailer, which housed a mobile pizzeria, is believed to have been stolen from the Okotoks location of Tom’s House of Pizza between Sept. 16 and 19. Tom’s House of Pizza owner John Windle is glad to see the trailer back, but it’s in worse condition than initially hoped. “It’s sort of, uh, bittersweet because they vandalized it terribly,” said Windle. He said the first thing thieves did was spray paint over the logos and make a mess of the outside. “Then what they did is stripped out all the electrical wiring, and of course did a lot of damage to the inside of the trailer,” said Windle. “I think they were looking for copper – anything they could get their little paws on.” Windle said the only thing really intact is the trailer and frame. “We’ll have to rebuild the insides completely. The oven’s destroyed, everything,” said Windle. “But nothing’s insurmountable. It’s just things.We can fix it down the road.” Among other causes around the Calgary area, the trailer has been used to help fundraise for the Okotoks Oilers in past years. The pizza purveyor was moved by the support from the community and media throughout the ordeal. “We really appreciate all the support, it’s just been wonderful,” the pizza purveyor said. “Everything always moves forward – you don’t let them get under your skin or they win.” Anyone with information is asked to call the Okotoks RCMP at (403) 995-6400 or to call the local police. Those who want to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
