He thought he would be busy plowing driveways during the first significant snowfall to hit Massachusetts, but Salisbury contractor Rich Hughes instead spent the storm searching for the plow he believes was stolen.
"I really need the plow," Hughes told necn. "I'd really like to get it back."
Hughes said he learned Monday night that his 10-year-old, more than 500-pound plow blade was missing. He said someone who must have had a truck that could accommodate the plow mount stole his tool from the ground by his garage sometime over the holiday weekend.
That meant customers were out of luck getting their driveways or parking lots plowed Tuesday, Hughes lamented.
"I had to call them back and say, 'Sorry, there's not anything I can do for you, my plow's gone,'" Hughes sighed. "{There were} a lot of upset people."
In nearby Newburyport, customer John Tellier nearly slipped down his driveway Tuesday night, which was covered in ice-crusted snow.
"It's pretty slick out," Tellier said of the driveway he shares with other buildings and property tenants. "It's treacherous. We're kind of stuck right now--we're going to have to start chipping away at this; get after it ourselves."
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Hughes posted a picture of his plow blade to Facebook, and has been asking people to keep their eyes open or call the police with any info. He said he filed a police report with the Salisbury Police Department.
A phone message left with the Salisbury Police early Tuesday evening seeking more information on Hughes' report was not returned before necn's nighttime deadline.
Hughes said he is offering a $100 reward to get back both his plow blade and his means to a livelihood.
The contractor said he has been in touch with his insurance company to see if there is anything it can do to help. That is still in the works, Hughes noted.
Hughes also said he has called a few scrap yards to see if anyone has tried to sell a used plow. So far, no luck, Hughes said.
