The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles are the victims of a break-in.
Earlier this month, close to $4,000 worth of Screaming Eagles merchandise was stolen. Game-worn jerseys were snatched off their hangers and stuffed into a hockey bag and taken from Centre 200.
“It appears they were taken sometime between April 11 and April 15th when it was reported to police,” says Desiree Vassallo, of the Cape Breton Regional Police.
Officers were back at Centre 200 Monday, after a second attempt was made to break into the outlet.
The only damage done this time was to the lock.
Screaming Eagles business manager Peter MacDonald says he believes the suspect, or suspects planned the break-in and knew what they were looking for.
“It's a locked space, it wasn't a crime of opportunity. Somebody certainly came in here with the intention of breaking in there and taking the items,” says Peter. “We've been keeping an eye on Kijiji and eBay to see if they happen to pop up there. Also, the possibility they would be sold to pawn shops.”
Centre 200 is open to the public daily for walking and other activities. The only way to gain access is through a rear entrance, but there are no security cameras throughout the arena, which is something building manager Paul MacDonald is hoping to change.
“There are events here that allow the public to come in from all entrances and that's pretty much a tough thing to control. In the future, we've been looking at putting cameras in the building and I think this is going to push us to move quicker on that,” says MacDonald.
This isn't the first time Eagles merchandise has been stolen. Six years ago a variety of items, including the team's mascot suit, was taken from the building. Police eventually caught the suspects and laid charges, but for now this incident remains unsolved.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore
