A blow torch was used to gain access to the Morinville Youth Centre over the weekend. The break-in is the second in the past three months and the fourth attempt in the same period of time. – Stephen Dafoe Photo
By Morinville News Staff
Morinville – A week after taking a blow torch to the Plexiglas door of the Morinville Youth Center in an attempt to gain access, thieves returned with their gear over the weekend and succeeded this time around. Sometime over the May 11 weekend, unknown individuals burned through the Plexiglas door of the centre, allowing access to the facility.
RCMP confirmed Monday that after entering the facility, the thief or thieves stole an X-Box and Wii console systems and video games. All equipment of value was to be removed from the facility last week after the first blow torch break-in attempt; however, it appears such was not the case.
The break-in is the second since March and the fourth attempt in the same period of time. The back door of the youth centre was pried open in late March. At that time thieves stole a Wii video game console and a number of games. The March break-in resulted in a reinforced door being installed, a security device that was supposed to prevent further break-ins. A subsequent attempt saw would-be thieves smashing a window which was subsequently boarded up by the town.
Over the May 4 weekend, thieves took a blow torch on wheels to the front door in an attempt to burn through the Plexiglas window. A return visit over the May 11 weekend resulted in finishing the job begun the week earlier.
Police believe both the May 4 and May 11 weekend incidents were perpetrated by the same individual(s). In the late March break-in, a note was left at the scene with the words The Crew or Krew on it. A Town of Morinville employee indicated a similar note was left in the latest break-in.
The youth centre, located across from the Ray McDonald Sports Centre at 10320, 99 Avenue, had been closed for a couple years, but has recently been reopened and operated on an infrequent basis for a variety of youth programing. It is not known if the latest break-in will deter future plans for the centre. Morinville’s youth worker, A. D. Richardson was unavailable for comment on Monday.
Morinville RCMP are asking for the public for assistance in solving this crime. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4520 or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
