RATHDRUM - Ken Clyatt had a rude awakening when he went to his Brix Equipment Co. business on Tuesday morning.

He discovered the workshop of his used equipment firm at 8195 W. Main St. had been broken into and $4,500 worth of items had been stolen late Monday or early Tuesday.

"The first thing I noticed was that a car dolly was gone," he said, adding that he later discovered several other items were stolen, including compressors, electrical wire, new tools, stereo equipment, a battery charger, vice, motors and jacks.

Clyatt said plywood below the metal siding of the 40-by-100 workshop had been kicked in to enter.

"They got in between the metal and ground," he said. "They also used my tools to break the lock off the door.

"I don't think they knew how much I had in there until they got in because I don't tell people what I'm doing. I think they were on a hunting trip and decided to clean house."

Clyatt is offering a $500 cash reward for the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s).

The business, which is near the police station, was formerly named Brix Pallet Co.

Clyatt said the crime occurred sometime between 2 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. Tuesday. He does not have theft insurance.

Clyatt said he saw what he believes were truck tracks leading up to the back door of the workshop from the railroad.

Those with information are encouraged to call Rathdrum Police at 687-0711 or Clyatt at 659-3676.