Rec field concession stands hit by burglars – New Jersey Herald

Law enforcement officials are looking to track down a couple responsible for burglaries of more than two dozen concession stands in six counties, including two in Sussex County, dating back to April.

The burglaries began April 24 and the last reported incident took place some time between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, according to a press release from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

The crimes have been reported at 27 recreation fields in Sussex, Morris, Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Passaic counties and include structural damage as well as thefts of cash, candy, beverages and other items.

The largest theft of the group so far resulted in the two perpetrators obtaining as much as $700 in cash, the press release stated.

The string of burglaries includes a break-in at the grounds crew building and concession stand at Lenape Valley Regional High School. The act occurred around 10:30 p.m. April 30, making it the second theft in the string to be reported, said Peggy Wright, public information officer for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

The thieves did not steal much from the school, taking two 10-gallon gas cans from the scene, Wright said.

The other Sussex County theft occurred May 8 at a concession stand near the Lakeland Little League field on Stanhope-Sparta Road, Wright said. Details of the crime, including the time it took place and items that were taken, were not available.

Stands in Morris and Passaic counties have been targeted eight times. Bergen County has seen four burglaries, followed by three in Essex County and one in Middlesex County, according to the press release.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has been gathering data and working with police officers in all affected municipalities in attempting to catch the suspects.

“This is a prime opportunity for law enforcement agencies to share intelligence to apprehend perpetrators who are stealing from children, their families, schools and recreation programs that count on concession stand sales to support Little League and other sport activities,” Sheriff James M. Gannon said.

Jane Recktenwald, a systems analyst with the sheriff’s office, said concession stand operators are advised to remove cash from the premises upon closing and attempt to secure food, drinks and other sale items. Police are also encouraged to make frequent checks of concession stands in their communities.