Moose Jaw’s Hillcrest Golf Club struck by string of thefts

By Cameron Koch

The Hillcrest Golf Club, a non-profit organization, has experienced a rash of break-ins over the past couple of years.

The value of the stolen items now adds up to well over $150,000.

The most recent series of thefts saw a substantial amount stolen or damaged in a single incident.

“We had all of our backpack blowers stolen, all of our tools that we utilized throughout the season (like) weed whippers (and) leveling equipment. It all added up to roughly just under $70,000,” said Jasmine Cameron, the golf club’s general manager.

As a result of the thefts, the course has taken steps to deter criminals and increase safety, including investing $16,000 in surveillance equipment to replace cameras damaged during the last incident, and installing a fence that covers the northern edge of the course, which cost the organization $82,000.

However, vandals struck again within a few short weeks, this time cutting a portion of the fence.

The costs incurred due to the criminal activity are placing a serious strain on the club.

“We are a non-profit and the dollars that we are spending just to protect what we are trying to do as a business is just not feasible going forward,” said Cameron.

Cameron said police have been notified about the incidents. In one case, the surveillance equipment that would have captured footage of the perpetrators was stolen along with the other items.

“In our last break-in, the individuals took our cameras right off the roof. They pulled them down, broke in, and then they took our hard drive as well,” Cameron said.

Cameron expressed frustration with the police response after the latest incident. Discover Moose Jaw News reached out to the Moose Jaw Police Service to find out the status of the ongoing investigation.

The Criminal Code of Canada says theft under $5,000 is a summary offence, punishable by no more than two years in jail. In cases of theft over $5,000, Crown prosecutors can elect to proceed by indictment, which is then punishable by up to 10 years in prison.