A thief is wreaking havoc on a Little League team in California, posing a serious threat to the upcoming baseball season for children.
Recent thefts have involved the stealing of electrical boxes and stadium lighting at various Little League parks, jeopardizing night games and practice sessions. As reported, this crime wave is causing escalating concern.
Long Beach Little League President Doug Wittman expressed his frustration, noting, “Everyone’s schedule is going to be scaled back, and the games are going to have to be scaled back.” He added, “We’re already seeing less practice time this week. With about 600 kids on board this year, losing the lights really hurts.”
The East Long Beach Pony League at Hartwell Park and the Village Baseball Little League at San Martin Park in Lakewood are also victims of copper thefts in recent weeks, as rising metal prices and an increased demand for tech gear fuel these crimes.
Long Beach Little League Vice President Adriel Tedesco shared his personal feelings about the theft, saying, “It’s a feeling of being violated.” His league has a prestigious reputation, being the only U.S. team to win the Little League World Series two years running, and they aim to remain competitive each season.
Unfortunately, power outages have affected the stadium, leading league officials to consider drastic measures against further thefts. “We’ve discussed having volunteers work night shifts in parks,” Tedesco mentioned. “We even have a registration sheet for overnight shifts. It really shouldn’t have to come to this,” he lamented.
Without lighting, some leagues might be unable to host games. Steve Esquivel, president of the East Long Beach Pony League, stressed, “Without lights, kids can’t play. Baseball, ELB—it’s a family. We pride ourselves on fostering a community spirit where everyone supports each other.”
To combat this issue, California lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 476 last year, which mandates that companies purchasing “junk” metals, including copper, must provide detailed information about their sources.
The law has also tightened penalties for breaches.
Long Beach Police stated they are “actively investigating” these incidents and are dedicated to identifying those responsible. “We recognize the impact these incidents have on residents and families who use our shared spaces,” they said in a statement. “We take these incidents seriously, especially since they affect the youth utilizing our baseball fields.”
In the interim, authorities are considering concrete barriers in areas where thieves could access copper lines. However, thieves have resorted to digging holes elsewhere to reach underground power lines, showcasing the lengths they will go to steal.
