'Please give it back': Atlanta mom's food truck stolen from parking Lot

An Atlanta mother is pleading for the return of her stolen food truck after thieves cut through six locks to drive off with her primary source of income earlier this month.

Atlanta food truck stolen

What we know:

Njeri Thompson was dealing with health issues when someone stole her MacQueen Food Truck on Aug. 11. 

"This is my legacy. Took that from us," she said.

The trailer was parked in a lot on Jonesboro Road in southeast Atlanta when it was taken around 4 p.m. 

Thieves managed to cut six different locks on the trailer and drove off without leaving anything behind. 

Thompson, a single mother of four, bought the truck with her life savings in cash to build a future for her family. 

The truck operates 12 months out of the year, selling its top items—macaroni and cheese and lamb chops—to pay the family's bills. 

Atlanta police investigation ongoing

What we don't know:

Atlanta police officers have not identified any suspects in the theft. 

It remains unclear what tools were used to cut through the six locks or what kind of vehicle was used to haul the food truck away. 

Business owner pleads for help

What they're saying:

Thompson expressed deep devastation over the loss of her livelihood. 

"It’s more than frustrating. This is heartful. This is devastating," Thompson said. 

The theft forced her to cancel scheduled events and breach business contracts. 

"We’re missing events. We’re missing income. I had to break contracts that we had for certain events," Thompson said. 

She emphasized how critical the food truck is for her household. 

"Oh absolutely. We are out here 12 months out of the year; this is my income for my household. I’m a single mom with four kids. So, this is my only source of income," Thompson said. 

She added that the loss impacts her long-term investments for her children. 

"That trailer was bought and paid for with my life savings. It’s paid for in cash. It’s something for my children," Thompson said. 

When asked about where the food truck had been parked, Thompson pointed directly to the empty spot. 

"It was right here. Right here. Right here and it’s gone," Thompson said. 

She expressed shock at how clean the theft was executed. 

"I don’t know how they did it. There was nothing left behind. They were able to cut 6 different locks and get away with it," Thompson said. 

Thompson made a direct plea to the person responsible for taking her business. 

"Please, please, please give it back," Thompson said. 

Security video under review

What's next:

Atlanta Police Department investigators are actively examining surveillance camera footage recorded in the area surrounding Jonesboro Road. 

What you can do:

The owner is asking people to keep an eye out for suspicious listings that could be connected to the theft. Anyone with information is asked to contact Atlanta police.

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