Veterans in the community of Havelock, N.B., are feeling violated and dishonoured after thieves broke into their legion for the third time this month and stole more than $8,000 worth of equipment, liquor, cash and food.
Military veteran and legion president, Harvey Surett tried to fight back tears on Thursday as he described the theft.
“It’s impossible to fathom what they were thinking,” he said.
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The first break-in was Nov. 12, the night after Remembrance Day, while the latest happened on Monday night.
Surett says the legion is a place to honour the community’s veterans. He wonders how anyone could stoop so low.
“Uncaring people that I guess who don’t appreciate what a vet did for them breaks in and tries to close the place down,” he said.
Carol Killam, a former president of the legion, says the news made her angry. “If I could have gotten ahold of them, they would not have done it again,” said Killam.
She says the thieves broke in through the side door all three times and stole a total of two cash registers, liquor, ripped the jukebox right off the wall and even took meat out of the freezer.
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During the last break-in, the thieves made it into the vault and took cash and liquor — the profits which would have been used to help support not only the veterans, but also non-profit groups in the community and people in need.
“At Christmas time, we usually do baskets up for three or four families that are needy and if they have children, I try to give out a gift for each child,” said Killam.
Now, she says she may not be able to do that this year.
RCMP says they are still investigating the thefts including a break-in at the local Lions club which they believe could be connected.
Meanwhile, Killam is waiting to hear what their insurance will cover. She fears they may lose their coverage altogether if the rash of thefts keeps up.
Her worst fear is that the legion may have to close altogether.
“Losing everything is the same as running a business — you can only go in the hole for so long,” she said.