The Vancouver Island Raiders junior football team is reeling after thieves stole an estimated $50,000 in football equipment — a crime that could threaten the future of the organization.
The theft happened Aug. 31 at the team’s Caledonia Park facility at 110 Wall St.
Nanaimo RCMP noticed pry marks on a metal door at the site. Taken was equipment that includes helmets, jerseys, pads, footballs, head sets and compressors.
The theft is just the latest in a series of setbacks for the team.
In September 2021, the Raiders’ change room at Comox Field was broken into and damaged, and about $15,000 worth of equipment was taken.
Last month, a deliberately set fire at the Caledonia Park facilitycaused charring on the outside of the building and significant smoke damage inside.
Josh Williams, the team’s vice-president and general manager, said he is “beyond frustrated.”
“We’re trying our best to provide a positive development experience for these kids but it seems that just as we get past one setback, we’re hit with another one,” he said. “There is no sugar coating or minimizing the impact this theft will have on our team moving forward. Right now, I don’t really know how we’re going to recover from it.”
The team is a non-profit organization playing in the B.C. Football Conference and relies solely on community sponsorships and game-day operations to fund its operation. Players range from 17 to 22.
Police believe the theft would have taken 30 to 45 minutes and required more than one person to haul the equipment to waiting vehicles.
“At least two people with two or more vehicles had to be involved,” said Const. Gary O’Brien.
Nanaimo RCMP asks anyone with information to call them at 250-754-2345.
jbell@timescolonist.com
