Volunteers at the Rothwood Baseball Complex in Spring say they showed up to work on the fields and instead found trouble: storage sheds pried open and heavy equipment gone. The nonprofit that runs the park is now scrambling to keep dozens of weekend games on schedule. League leaders estimate the thieves made off with two commercial mowers and a golf cart, a loss volunteers describe as devastating for the unpaid crews who maintain the fields. Staff and families who rely on the complex say the thefts have disrupted routine maintenance and piled on unplanned expenses.
Surveillance Shows Trio Before Cameras Go Dark
According to KHOU, surveillance video reviewed by volunteers reportedly shows three people walking toward the equipment area. Volunteers say the suspects cut camera and Ethernet cables, then forced open a metal shed. They turned the footage over to investigators, and one of the stolen mowers was later found stuck in a ditch near the park, the station reports.
Second Big Hit After Earlier Break-in
League officials told FOX 26 Houston the most recent break-in on March 31 followed an earlier March incident when a contractor’s skid steer was stolen and used to ram through the same gate. The latest burglary cost the nonprofit roughly $65,000 after thieves loaded two commercial mowers, an EZGO-style golf cart and other power tools, according to FOX 26. Mike Ayers, president of baseball for the Spring-Klein Sports Association, told FOX 26, “This is a big hit for us.”
Volunteers Juggle Tight Schedules And Tighter Budget
The Spring-Klein Sports Association operates the Rothwood complex and lists Rothwood as home to more than a dozen fields, according to the program’s site. Volunteers told KHOU the park can draw roughly 3,000 to 4,000 players and spectators when games are in full swing. Losing heavy equipment, they say, strains already tight schedules, increases rental costs and forces staff to lean even more heavily on donated time.
Deputies Chase Leads, Public Asked To Help
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed it is investigating the thefts, and FOX 26 Houston reports deputies are checking local pawn shops and following up on tips. Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information has been asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000, according to FOX 26.
