The Coquitlam Reds Baseball Club is finding out who its friends are in the wake of a disastrous theft that left its equipment shed in shambles.
Last Wednesday, thieves broke into the locked shed at Mundy Park and made off with $8,000 in gear, including a John Deere tractor, eight dozen new baseballs, hats and the Reds' distinctive uniforms. The thieves also ransacked the concession area and stole all of the club's food supplies for upcoming games, including pop, chips, candy, Gatorade, ketchup and mustard.
But as news of the theft was broadcast and published by local media outlets over the weekend, including The Tri-City News, the Reds' U-18 and U-16 baseball teams learned they had plenty of fans and supporters.
The media coverage led to the recovery of the tractor Friday night and, although the rest of the equipment and food is still missing, members of the community have come forward with pledges of food and even cash donations to help the teams get through the remainder of the season.
"It's been awesome," said coach Wes Taylor, "Talk about turning a negative into a positive."
Even before the tractor was recovered, the community came together to support the Reds.
Taylor said a bakery in Port Coquitlam offered to supply cupcakes for Saturday's double-header against Victoria while the Port Coquitlam Save-On-Foods has offered to help replenish the club's concession supplies.
"The community is stepping forward to do what ever it can to help," Taylor said.
The police say an anonymous tip led to the recovery of the John Deere tractor and the investigation is continuing.
According to a press release, the thieves broke in to the club's shed at 641 Hillcrest sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15 and 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 16.
Police are asking anyone who saw suspicious behaviour or who have information about the items to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file 2013-13487. Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers by phone: 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or www.solvecrime.ca.
The missing uniforms should be easy to spot: The jerseys are red with "C-RED" printed on them.
Meanwhile, there are lingering concerns about security at the park. Reds' general manager Bill Green said the shed has been broken into before and he would like to see more security in the area.
But according to city spokesperson Wendy Wiederick, the city relies on community members who enjoy the park amenities to keep an eye on activities, and sports organizations are encouraged to work with security system providers to protect their assets.
"The Coquitlam Reds built and maintain the building in Mundy Park and would be responsible for their own security needs," Wiederick said in an email.
The Coquitlam Reds host the Victoria Mariners at Mundy Park beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday and will host an exhibition double-header versus North Delta, beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday. For the complete schedule, visit www.coquitlamreds.com
- with files from Maria Spitale-Leisk
