Portland Family Who Lost House, 2 Dogs In Fire Now Victim Of Theft: PD

PORTLAND, CT — A little over two weeks after a Portland family lost their home and two dogs to a fire, police now say they've fallen victim to theft.

"We would like to share a reported theft from residents of Meshomasic Trail who have already suffered a tragic loss," the Portland Police Department posted on Facebook Thursday. "The family that recently lost their home and cherished belongings in a house fire suffered another loss from despicable thieves."

According to police, thieves took several vehicles belonging to the family:

• A 1986 Honda three-wheeler ATV with white plastics and a blue seat.
• A 1987 Suzuki LT500 Quadzilla, with yellow plastics and blue seat.
• A 2009 Suzuki LTC 400 Quad, special edition, with red plastics and a black seat.
• A 2005 BMW R1200GS motorcycle, blue and black colors.
• A Ryobi power washer, green in color.

Police said they believe a small car was used as a lookout vehicle for the theft, which also involved a box truck.

Investigators are combing over leads and reviewing video footage. Those with more information or home security footage are asked to contact police.

Read also: 2 Dogs Lost, Home A 'Total Loss' In Devastating Portland Fire

The news comes days after a fire destroyed the family's home and killed two dogs — named Hope and Faith — at 66 Meshomasic Trail on April 21. Firefighters responded to a call at 1:33 p.m. on that date on a report of a wood pile burning on the side of the house.

Arriving firefighters found that the fire was "well advanced." The blaze had started at the back of the home and was moving rapidly through the structure.

Water tankers responded as the home is in one of the most rural areas of town with no city water. Wind was also a factor.

It took firefighters several hours to extinguish the blaze.

Following the fire, a GoFundMe fundraiser was set up for the family.

As of Thursday afternoon, the fundraiser had received 800 donations totaling over $69,000.

"With hope and faith, I know we can help this family come home again," organizer Patience Hettrick wrote in the fundraiser description. "Please consider helping them on their journey to rebuild."

View the fundraiser by clicking here.

— This post contains previous reporting from Patch Editor Chris Dehnel