Memorial Stadium Vandalism Spree is Costly

A mid-November break-in and vandalism spree at Memorial Stadium resulted in about $5,000 in damages and thefts, according to a recently released North Canton Police report.

Chief Stephan Wilder said Monday police are continuing their investigation of the incident that occurred sometime between 2 p.m. Nov. 16 and 1:28 p.m. Nov. 18 at the North Canton City School District’s sports complex at 417 Wise Ave. N.E.

One or more suspects broke into and vandalized the football locker room, the soccer concession stand, soccer press box and damaged the soccer field itself.

The initial police report showed losses to the district totaled more than $10,000, as a Club Car golf cart valued at $5,000 was among the items stolen. However, the golf cart was recovered Nov. 18 in the 300 block of Harmon Street S.E.

Here’s a rundown of the vandalism and thefts noted in the Nov. 18 police report:

• Stadium gate and post damaged, $1,500
• Door and door handle to football locker room damaged, $265
• Wall lockers pried open, causing $300 in damages
• Bathroom sink broken, $278
• Fire extinguishers vandalized, $84 in damages
• A 32-inch LCD television valued at $250 was stolen
• A stereo valued at $250 was stolen
• A door and a window in the soccer concession stand vandalized, $265 in damages
• Door in the soccer press box damaged, $265
• Door jam in the track timer tower damaged, $265
• Damage to the soccer field itself, at least $1,575

Todd Henne, business manager for the school district, said officials began the process of working with the district’s insurance company immediately upon learning of the incident. But even now, more than two weeks after the break-in, it is not known if damage and loss totals will exceed the district’s $5,000 insurance deductible.

“One of the concerns is potential damage to the soccer field grass. Because the grass is dormant now, it is difficult to tell the exact level of damage. There are no significant ruts, but it will likely be spring until we are certain,” Henne said. “Until we have a better understanding on the labor and materials necessary to bring the soccer field back to playing condition, we are not certain if the (cost) will exceed our deductible.”

He said the lacrosse programs moved to the football stadium and maintenance crews will have time to get the field in playing condition when soccer begins, regardless of its condition in the spring.

The golf cart that was stolen, then recovered, has some damage to the front and rear bumpers, as well as damage to the steering.

“We are in the process of getting a quote for that,” Henne said. “That issue, as well as the issue surrounding the (soccer field) grass, is why we are not certain if our deductible level will be met or not.”

Henne said there are a limited number of security cameras throughout the stadium complex; none are located inside the locker room/changing room areas because of student privacy issues.

“The North Canton Police are handling the investigation. At any time if our teachers or administrators at the high school hear anything, we will turn that (information) over to the North Canton Police immediately. As with any case, we are confident that someone will step forward and do the right thing by notifying us of the culprits,” Henne said.