Heartless copper thieves are wreaking havoc on California Little League teams, posing a serious threat to upcoming baseball seasons for kids. The crime wave has seen thieves targeting Little League parks by stealing electrical boxes and lines used for stadium lights. This has put teams at risk of losing night games and practices, as reported by The Athletic.
Long Beach Little League President Doug Wittman expressed his concerns, stating that the thefts are already impacting their schedule and practice times. With around 600 kids participating in the league this year, the loss of stadium lights will have a detrimental effect on their season. The East Long Beach Pony League and the Village Baseball Little League have also fallen victim to copper thefts in recent weeks, further exacerbating the situation.
Adriel Tedesco, vice president of Long Beach Little League, described the feeling of violation that comes with these thefts. The league, known for its success in the Little League World Series, is now facing challenges in ensuring the safety and security of their facilities.
To prevent further thefts, drastic measures have been considered, such as having volunteers stay overnight at the park to deter thieves. However, the fact that such extreme measures need to be taken is a cause for concern.
California lawmakers responded to the issue by passing Assembly Bill No. 476, which imposes stricter regulations on businesses purchasing “junk” metal like copper. The law aims to track the origin of such metals and enforce penalties for violations.
The Long Beach Police Department is actively investigating the incidents and is committed to holding the perpetrators accountable. They understand the impact these thefts have on the community, especially on the youth who rely on these facilities for sports activities.
Efforts are being made to secure the copper wires by placing concrete over them, but thieves have found ways to bypass these security measures by digging holes away from the concrete. This ongoing challenge highlights the need for continued vigilance and collaboration to protect these valuable resources for the community.
In conclusion, the spate of copper thefts targeting California Little League teams is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and action to safeguard the future of youth sports in the region.
