Derek Thoms and his extended family have been operating successful laundromats around California’s Bay Area for more than a decade.
Thoms was tired of the 12 break-ins that targeted his businesses in the past six months.
A truck crashed into the store’s front door in January so that thieves could steal the ATM.
“That used to be a crime that would probably happen around 2, 3, 4 o’clock in the morning. They did it at 7 a.m.,” Thoms said.
Thoms claims that nothing has been done despite all the video evidence.
“Within a week, they stole $5,000 of quarters and ruined an $11,000 change machine,” Thoms said.
According to the frustrated business owner, it was the final straw when thieves tried to steal his truck from his home. Thoms was almost caught on camera by a doorbell as he ran after his dogs.
Fed up, Thoms asked his family, as well as his brother and his family, and his mom and dad if they all wanted to move to Alabama.
They all packed up their belongings and moved over 2,000 miles to Muscle Shoals from the Bay Area.
Even with lots more room with a big new house, Thoms’ wife, Skylar, admits their new location is a bit of a culture shock.
“Definitely very, very hard, but the right decision,”Skylar stated.
They are planning to open new laundromats throughout Alabama. The ones in California are up for sale but haven’t found any takers.