Fairfield police investigate theft of $7,500 in camping gear from Boy Scout troop
Community rallies to replace stolen equipment after trailer break-in
FAIRFIELD, Ohio (WXIX) - Fairfield police are investigating a theft from a local Boy Scout troop that resulted in nearly $8,000 worth of equipment being stolen.
Scout Master Roger Noe for Troop 902 said he received a phone call on April 1 with news that the troop’s trailer had been broken into. Thieves stole $7,500 worth of camping gear.
“It broke their hearts because they felt violated that someone took their stuff because they fundraised for it and they helped pay for it,” Noe said.
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The stolen items included tents, cookers used for fish fries, 20-pound propane tanks, individual cylinders and backpacking equipment.
Noe described the troop’s reaction as devastation. The troop has planned camping excursions every month.
“The kids feel violated, because this is their first real-life experience, that you know, why would they pick on Boy Scouts? And you know they were very disappointed Monday night,” Noe said.
Noe said he believes the people responsible came onto the property through an opening in the brush. Noe and other scout leaders found some of the stolen items nearby.
“We walked around behind the brush and we found a 20-pound propane tank, we found one of our containers, we found one of our lanterns, our propane lanterns, laying in the ditch,” Noe said.
Community members started rallying behind the troop after learning about the theft. Donors contributed more than the $7,500 needed to replace the items through a GoFundMe campaign. Other troops have offered their equipment to use until the stolen items are replaced.
“It felt good, you know, what we’ve done in the community, people helping us back. That feels good,” Noe said.
Noe said the troop is looking to add more cameras and security to better secure the area and their trailer. The Optimist Club has also donated to replacing the items.
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