Granada Hills, California — A deaf construction crew working to repair a homeowner’s property in Los Angeles suffered a costly setback after thieves allegedly stole between $4,000 and $5,000 worth of tools from their worksite.
The incident happened shortly before noon on Thursday, October 22, in the Granada Hills neighborhood, according to a report by KTLA. The stolen equipment belonged to Neverless Construction, a recently established company led by Michael Litberg, who employs several deaf workers.
Despite the financial loss, Litberg said he and his crew are determined to continue working and support their families.
How the Tool Theft Happened at a Los Angeles Home
The construction crew was working inside a home owned by local resident Jan Menapace when the theft occurred.
Menapace had hired Litberg to help repair damage caused by a kitchen leak. The leak had resulted in extensive water damage, and Litberg offered to help with the necessary repairs after learning about her situation. Menapace explained that she appreciated his willingness to help with her home.
“I love my home, I put a lot of work into it,” she told. “He wanted to see if there was anything he could do to help me with anything I needed around my home… I was like, ‘I do need help. I’m going to give this guy a shot.’ ”
The crew was working inside the property when someone allegedly took the equipment from outside. Because the workers were focused on the job, they did not realize their tools were being stolen.
Homeowner Reviews Security Camera Footage
The theft came to light when Menapace noticed some of the workers communicating in sign language outside the house.
According to the report, the workers appeared to be searching for something. When Menapace asked whether everything was okay, they explained that their equipment was missing.
She then checked her home security cameras to find out what had happened.
The footage reportedly showed a vehicle pulling into the driveway. A passenger got out, took the tools and left the property.
The reported theft left the crew without equipment they needed to continue their work. The incident was particularly difficult for the new business because the tools had been purchased recently.
The available report did not provide further details about the vehicle or identify anyone suspected of taking the equipment.
New Construction Company Loses Thousands in Equipment
Litberg told that his company had only recently started operating and that he and his workers had just begun purchasing the tools needed for their jobs.
“We are a new company that just started and we just started to buy the tools,” Litberg told the outlet. “What happened is that we didn’t hear the people that came in to steal the tools. They took $4,000 to $5,000 worth of tools.”
The loss represents a significant setback for a small business that depends on its equipment to complete projects and earn income.
For construction workers, tools are essential to everyday tasks, from making repairs to completing larger renovation jobs. Replacing several thousand dollars’ worth of equipment can place additional financial pressure on a recently established company.
Litberg’s comments also highlighted the circumstances surrounding the incident. He and his crew were working inside the house and did not hear the people who allegedly entered the driveway and took their equipment.
Deaf Construction Crew Refuses to Give Up
Despite the setback, Litberg said the theft would not stop his company from moving forward.
“It was a shock, but I can tell you this: we will be okay. We will get through this,” Litberg told. “They may have stolen our tools, they may have stolen our ability to make money for our families, but they did not take our spirit.”
His statement reflected the crew’s determination to continue working despite the unexpected financial loss.
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For a new construction business, replacing essential equipment may take time and money. However, Litberg made clear that he and his workers intend to overcome the setback rather than allow the incident to define their future.
What Happens Next?
The reported theft has drawn attention to the challenges small businesses can face when essential equipment disappears from a worksite.
Menapace’s security camera footage reportedly captured the incident, but the information available in the report did not establish whether anyone had been identified or arrested in connection with the theft.
Further details about the investigation and any recovery of the stolen tools had not been provided in the report.
For Litberg and his crew, the immediate challenge is replacing the equipment they need to continue earning a living. Their determination to move forward, however, remains clear.
What do you think can help small construction businesses recover after losing thousands of dollars in equipment? Share your thoughts in the comments, and spread the word to support hardworking crews facing unexpected setbacks.
