The trailers had been reported stolen in separate incidents in Alabama and Florida, according to the sheriff’s office. The recovery was handled by the Sheriff’s Police Organized Retail Crime Unit.
Investigators received information on June 18 that a stolen trailer loaded with roughly $300,000 worth of copper wire was transmitting its location near the 2500 block of East Higgins Road.
The trailer had been reported stolen out of Pine Hill, Alabama.
When investigators arrived at the truck yard, they found the trailer with the copper wire still inside.
Authorities also discovered the trailer was displaying Indiana license plates that had previously been reported stolen in Wisconsin. The sheriff’s office did not release additional details about the plates.
Second stolen trailer found at same truck yard
The investigation quickly led authorities to another stolen trailer.
According to the sheriff’s office, the owner of the truck yard told investigators that the same person who dropped off the trailer containing the copper wire had delivered another trailer to the property about a week earlier.
Investigators contacted the owner of the second trailer and learned it had been reported stolen in Jacksonville, Florida, on June 10.
That trailer was carrying approximately $1 million worth of infrastructure equipment intended for data centers.
Combined, the two trailers contained more than $1.3 million worth of stolen cargo.
Authorities have not identified the owners of the freight or released information about where the shipments were originally headed.
Investigators searching for driver
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office said investigators are now working to identify the driver who delivered the trailers to the truck yard, along with anyone else who may have been involved.
No arrests have been announced.
Authorities also have not released details about how either trailer was stolen or whether investigators believe the Alabama and Florida thefts are directly connected.
The investigation remains ongoing.