Boy Scouts shed burglarized

ALACHUA – Alachua Police are investigating a burglary that targeted Alachua Boy Scouts Troop 88 last week, which reportedly left the troop out of nearly $700 worth of supplies.

Officials believe the Boy Scouts storage behind the main hut on 15115 N.W. 142nd Terrace was burglarized sometime between Feb. 1 and Feb. 5, according to Alachua Police Det. Carrie Lund.

Troop 88 committee member Beth Jenkins said troop leaders left the office around 9 p.m. Feb. 1 and didn’t return until Feb. 5. She said Scout Master Fred Hilton found the evidence of a burglary as he and troop members were gearing up for a weekend retreat.

As Hilton headed to the supply shed for cooking equipment for the troop’s weekend cookout, he found that a determined burglar had beaten him to it, Jenkins said. He found a shattered window, apparently broken for access to unlock the front door, and discovered missing cooking equipment.

According to a police report, burglars made off with three cast iron Dutch ovens valued at $240, three 70-gallon Igloo coolers valued at $210, five pots, and two turkey fryer pots valued at $235.

“It was a loss because we use the [equipment] every campout, and our boys go on one or two campouts a month and have cooking classes that teach them how to do things,” Jenkins said Tuesday. “They’re not only a big expense but they mean a lot to them because they use them all the time.”

Although police would not comment on the stolen property, Jenkins said troop leaders believe the items may have been stolen to be pawned for their iron and aluminum materials.

Of all weekends, burglars hit on one of the most inopportune times since the 38 boy scouts that make up troop 88 were set to host a cookout at Camp Shands in Melrose, Jenkins said.

“This past weekend we had to call other scout troops when we went to camp and borrow cooking equipment because our troop was in charge of cooking,” she said. “This was just really bad timing.”

While Alachua Police have not yet reported suspects in the burglary, Jenkins said an anonymous donor has offered a $100 reward for any tip leading to an arrest. Anyone with information on the burglary can report a tip to Det. Carrie Lund at 386-418-1597.

Since the troop is also out $700 in equipment, Jenkins added that anyone wishing to donate to the troop to recoup losses can send donations to PO Box 1719 Alachua, Fla., 32616 or contact Fred Hilton at 352-318-0925.