Wildcat Glades Maintenance Shed Broken Into Twice In Matter Of Days
The Wildcat Glades Friends Group has been victimized once again. It’s the second time in just a few days when thieves broke into their maintenance shed and stole just about everything inside including a lawn mower, chainsaw, tree trimmer, tents, and gardening tools. After the first break-in over the weekend, the Joplin Parks and Rec Department replaced the door and a damaged wall, but the theives returned Monday night, causing the same damge and taking off with the rest of what was in the shed. If you have any information, call Joplin Police 417-623-3131.
Read the heartfelt Facebook post by Wildcat Glades Friends Group Executive Director Robin Standridge:
It is with a heavy heart I write this post. Wildcat Glades Friends Group has been the recipient of yet another act of brazen vandalism and theft. Thieves destroyed the entrance to our maintenance shed sometime between Saturday evening and Monday morning. They stole items we use to maintain the trails, program materials for the Water Festival, a lawn mower, chainsaw, tree trimmer, tents, brooms, rakes, the list seems endless.
Our partners at Joplin Parks & Rec quickly replaced the door with a metal door and another wall- yes, they tore through a wall- to secure the building. Sadly and quite irritatingly, the thieves returned last night to get what they missed the first round by tearing up the new second door and destroying the wall for a second time. Some of our items had “Wildcat Glades” written on them. So, if you see these items please report it to Joplin Police Department. We are pressing charges if these individuals are found.
The items stolen were items donated to keep this park beautiful for the community. This should outrage all of our supporters. We are a not for profit. We maintain this area out of a love and respect for our community and for the beautiful habitat Joplin has been gifted. This makes me physically ill. The hard work of our dedicated volunteers has been spat upon.
To the thieves, please use the trash bags you stole to pick up trash along the creek. You left three trash picks – so call me and I will run those by so you don’t get crud on your hands. Please remember to use the work gloves and goggles when you use the graffiti removal you stole. And remember to follow safety guidelines as you use our brand new chainsaw to cut into someone else’s maintenance shed.