Every year, millions of Americans rely on storage units to keep their belongings safe. But thieves can be ruthless. That’s what one military family discovered after their recent move to Washington.
Initially, Trojan Storage in Marysville made Steven and Andrea Turk feel safe. There are security cameras on every floor and a key code is required to enter the building or elevators.
The Turks had a unit on the third floor, in the middle of a row. A unit where, according to the Turks, thieves found a way to break into last week.
The thieves made off with weapons, a guitar, clothes and a safe. They also stole some personal items.
“They took his Texas A&M diploma and his books from all his classes,” Andrea said. She says family heirlooms, fossils and birth certificates were also taken. She estimates the loss at more than $100,000.
The Turks say they filed a police report, baffled by what the thieves took. They tell KIRO 7 it wasn’t until after the theft that they realized the holes in the security cameras on their floor and the lack of financial compensation from the facility that promised to keep their belongings safe.
“Every regret you can list in the book is because I left my stuff here,” says Andrea.
Andrea tells KIRO 7 that their insurance with Trojan storage covers theft, but only up to $2,000.
KIRO 7 reached out to Trojan Storage to ask about their security measures and insurance policy, but received no response. Managers at the Marysville branch used the company’s customer service email for questions.
The Turks currently live in their van. They planned to rent the unit until they found a house to settle down. Now they’re looking for responsibility – and their stuff.
“The things that go through your head,” says Steven. “Did I do something wrong to deserve this?”
