Following a string of vandalism and theft at Black Diamond's Bob Lockhead Memorial Campground, the Foothills Lions Club has appealed to the public for help identifying the perpetrators.

Chairman of the campground James Lee says the mischief caused by the unknown individuals has continually escalated over the summer months, starting with them stealing coolers filled with food and alcohol from various campsites, and leading to the destruction of property including garden gnomes and a car windshield.

He says there was a lull for about a month, though they returned on October 9th, during which time they carried out their most brazen acts.

The perpetrators are alleged to have broken a lock on a refrigerator and stolen its contents, after which they attempted to steal a golf cart, and failing that, attempted to steal a utility vehicle. A broken knife was found in the truck's ignition; an apparent attempt to hotwire the vehicle.

Days later, Lee took to social media to appeal for information on the individuals, offering a $250 reward on behalf of the Lions for any information leading to their apprehension.

The reward is just one of several measures taken to curb these incidents, Lee having contacted the RCMP, as well as plans to install security cameras.

He says one positive outcome is the continued response from the RCMP and Foothills community.

"They've been very cooperative and done an excellent job. We're really very happy with the community response we've got, people have had our backs and relayed some very pertinent information to us."

He says the campground's visitors and residents aren't the only victims, as damages incurred are often repaired with money the Lions intended to put back into the community.

"We give 60-80 [thousand dollars] back to various community groups, school bursaries, things like that. It's part of our service to our community, that what we do as Lions. When you start having to pay to get things repaired or whatever, that takes away from our money to be able to fund those things."

Anyone with information on the incidents or individuals can contact Lee at (403) 852-2407.

 

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