Suspects Cause Thousands Of Dollars Of Damage to NJ Youth Soccer Association Building
MANCHESTER, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A youth sports association in New Jersey is already at a disadvantage before the season even started.
CBS2's Meg Baker reported the Lakehurst Manchester Soccer Association's building has been burglarized three times and vandalized relentlessly as remnants of blue paint still remain on the concrete.
"Just in this latest break-in, we're estimating around $1,500 in the damage and another $500 in the product that was stolen," said Erik Meyer, the president of the soccer association.
However, four suspected teens were caught on camera in the latest break-in.
"It's really messed up how people can just think they can do this to our fields because it costs a lot of money to repair," said Richy Mariotti.
In the latest incident around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, the thieves got away with all of the concessions bought by Jennifer Millan the night before.
"When we have to spend money because of vandalism, it sets us back," Millan said.
The thieves also stole all the poles that were donated to the association for a light project.
"These couple of rotten apples are really ruining it for so many others," said parent Ed Hudek.
Some of the funds that are collected by selling food and drinks not only go toward the upkeep of fields, but also to scholarships for high school seniors.
"We have to keep increasing the cost and we have been losing players because a lot of families can't afford the increased cost," said Meyers.
After someone drove on the soccer field, $5,000 worth of new sod had to be put down a few months ago to fix it.
"It's not that they are taking it from us, they are taking it from the kids who are playing here," said Meyers.
Manchester police are asking for the public's help in identifying the four individuals who may be involved in previous destruction of property.
The Lakehurst Manchester Soccer Association is looking for more team sponsors, since the majority of their funds have gone toward clean-up and repairs.
