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Inflatable obstacle course stolen in Phoenix burglary

Posted at 7:00 AM, May 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-24 21:17:27-04

Phoenix police are investigating the theft of a large multicolored inflatable obstacle course.

Police say an open-topped red cargo trailer (1999 red trailer with AZ trailer plate: #7A7D1) and the eight-piece obstacle course were stolen from a commercial yard in southwest Phoenix on May 7 or May 8.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Vince Lewis said this is a one-of-a-kind product in Arizona.

"In this particular case, you have this unique, high-dollar item and it's going to be spotted by somebody," Lewis said. 

A commercial grade bounce house is usually around 15-feet high. In order to equal the length of this stolen obstacle course, one would have to lay down 12 standard bounce houses. 

But, it also seems like the valley has an inflatable infatuation. Remember what it was like during the holidays?

"It was like watching the Grinch movie," Avondale resident Miles Bouchard told ABC15 back in November of 2016. "He had a sack...walking off with all our decorations like he's a Who-vile."

He caught an inflatable-stealing crook on camera.

"During the holidays when we leave our expensive decorations out front, we're susceptible to those types of things," explained Lewis. "So, it's up to you if you want to take those things in at night...set-up surveillance on your home." 

There was also the big cow mystery of 2016. It was 350 pounds, 24 feet tall and it was swiped from a pick-up trucknear 36th Street and Thomas last year. 

"We found a Chick-Fil-A cow in a yard at one point," Lewis said.

They are hoping something similar to that incident happens here - when someone decided to blow up that obstacle course for a little fun.

"This particular item is going to be difficult to hide," Lewis said.

ABC15 reached out to Party Professionals. However, they said that with the incredible demand they have for graduations and Memorial Day parties, they were unable to grant an interview request. 

Police said in a statement Wednesday that the obstacle course is 180 feet (55 meters) long and 25 feet (8 meters) wide when inflated.

It's valued at $35,000.