An investigation is underway after thieves stole equipment from a local Pop Warner football team.
Police say the suspects broke into a storage shed at Jacks Field in Chester Township last week and stole thousands of dollars’ worth of helmets, shoulder pads and trophies belonging to the Chester Township Cougars and the team’s cheer squad.
“It hurts us a lot because we have kids who may not be able to have the helmets and the shoulder pads and the jerseys at the start of the season this year,” William Morgan, the coach of the Cougars, said.
Ron Twyman, who also coaches the Cougars, said the equipment holds a special value for his players.
“A lot of them come from rough situations so we give them an outlet,’ Twyman said. “And it’s like someone decided to take the outlet away from them.”
The team’s coaches say they recovered a few helmets and pads in neighbors’ yards but not all of it is usable.
“People are just going to take our stuff,” Damai Smart, the quarterback for the Cougars, said. “That’s not cool because ya’ll are letting the team down. All the parents that paid for their child to play.”
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The team’s season begins August 1. A gofundme page has been created to raise money for their losses. CLICK HERE if you would like to donate.
