Davenport Scrap Yard Combats Theft of Shopping Carts and Yard Itself

Cooperation with police helps stop repeat offenders, but break-ins still plague the facility

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Davenport, Iowa scrap yards are on the frontline of the city's fight against property crime, with over 2,500 thefts reported each year. Midwest Recyclers recently helped police arrest suspects who stole 60 shopping carts from a local Sam's Club and tried to sell them for scrap. The company says it regularly reviews surveillance footage, identifies vehicles, and communicates directly with police to stop stolen goods from entering the yard. However, the scrap yard itself is also being targeted, with break-ins occurring nearly three times a week despite a 15-foot steel wall.

Why it matters

Scrap yards play a crucial role in combating property crime in Davenport, as many stolen items end up being sold there. By working closely with law enforcement, scrap yard operators can help identify and stop repeat offenders, but the ongoing break-ins at their facilities show the persistent challenge of property theft in the city.

The details

Last month, 60 shopping carts were stolen from a Sam's Club in Davenport and brought to Midwest Recyclers to be sold for scrap. Security footage helped police track the suspects and make arrests. Midwest Recyclers says it regularly reviews surveillance, identifies vehicles, and communicates with police to stop stolen goods from entering the yard. However, the scrap yard itself is also being targeted, with break-ins occurring nearly three times a week despite a 15-foot steel wall. One suspect alone has stolen as much as $30,000 in material from the property.

  • In the last decade, Davenport has reported more than 2,500 thefts each year.
  • Last month, 60 shopping carts were stolen from a Sam's Club and brought to Midwest Recyclers.

The players

Christina Caldwell

President of four local junkyards in Davenport.

Midwest Recyclers

A Davenport scrap yard that works closely with police to stop stolen goods from entering their facility.

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What they’re saying

“You can tell by looking at something if you think any individual should have it. It comes with years of experience.”

— Christina Caldwell, President, Davenport junkyards

“It's frustrating for us because we're not focused on business, we're focused on pretty much babysitting at the end of the day.”

— Christina Caldwell, President, Davenport junkyards

“We pretty much have one employee that is designated to working with police departments.”

— Christina Caldwell, President, Davenport junkyards

“It's an everyday occurrence of us having to do perimeter checks to see what looks out of place, have they cut our fence.”

— Christina Caldwell, President, Davenport junkyards

What’s next

Davenport police are now investigating the suspect who has stolen up to $30,000 in material from the Midwest Recyclers scrap yard.

The takeaway

Scrap yards in Davenport have become a crucial partner in the city's fight against property crime, working closely with law enforcement to identify and stop repeat offenders. However, the ongoing break-ins at these facilities show the persistent challenge of theft that the community continues to grapple with.