V.I. Raiders general manager Glenn Cook watches as the door is repaired at the tower building at Caledonia Park. Nanaimo’s junior football team lost thousands of dollars of electronics in a theft there this week. (CHRIS BUSH/The News Bulletin)

Thieves in Nanaimo don’t seem to be fans of the V.I. Raiders.

The city’s junior football team was victimized by another theft this week at its home field at Caledonia Park. A suspect or suspects broke into the tower building and stole a laptop, camera equipment and tripod used for live-streaming games, and other items.

“It’s just crazy; it’s so frustrating,” said Glenn Cook, Raiders general manager.

He said it’s the third time since last summer that the Raiders, provincial champions, have had break-ins. Thieves had previously stolen items from the concession building at Caledonia Park and the dressing rooms at Comox Park, where the team practises. Some of the items stolen have been a barbecue, stereo system and equipment bags. Cook said the Raiders have also noticed that someone has more than once tried to break into the team’s shipping container storage unit at Comox Park, where there is hacksaw damage to the lock.

The GM said the thefts will also impact the team’s insurance rates.

“We’re a non-profit community-owned team and it’s just devastated our team…” Cook said. “A $10-15,000 kick in the face, we just can’t sustain it.”



editor@nanaimobulletin.com

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