Members of Langford Fastball were left scratching their heads in disbelief when they discovered the organization had fallen victim to a “weird” crime.
Between 45 to 60 metres of outfield fencing, including metal poles, was stolen from Langford’s Centennial Park sometime between 11 p.m. April 26 and 7 a.m. April 27, says Kris Walushka, president of the youth fastball association.
“It's just such a weird thing to take – a big, long fence,” he said. “I'm just shocked, disappointed that someone actually needed a fence that bad, that they felt they could do this.”
As to why the culprit or culprits took the fencing, Walushka says it’s a mystery.
“I guess someone could use it at their house to keep something in, or maybe someone just thinks it's valuable. I'm not sure,” he said.
“I would doubt that someone's going to like go put it up at a different ball diamond. But I mean, that's entirely possible I suppose.”
To replace the fence brand new from a supplier in the U.S., it could cost up to $5,000, says Walushka. So instead, the club is considering purchasing two second-hand fences from an association in Langley for around $2,500.
“We do have some money stored, so we could probably afford it and not hurt ourselves too badly, but that's something I need to look into.”
One good thing to come out of the experience has been the community response, says Walushka, with a wave of support and outrage for the club.
An appeal for information on the club’s Facebook page has been shared online almost 100 times, with dozens of comments.
“Stealing from children should be a capital of-fence,” said one supporter.
“What has this world come to, stealing from kids now? What the hell,” said another.
One member of the community has also reached out to offer the club help with replacing the fence, says Walushka.
But while the club rides the wave of community support and considers how to replace the fence, Walushka hopes the thief will have an attack of conscience.
“Hopefully it turns up, or hopefully, maybe someone has a change of heart and realizes that they've just stolen from a bunch of little kids."
Anyone with information can call West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
