Theft at Banning Boy Scout House to Cost Troop Thousands, Leader Says

Banning police are looking for the person or persons responsible for a copper wire theft at the local boy scout troop house, officials tell Patch.

Scoutmaster of Troop 103 Brian Smith contacted Banning-Beaumont Patch Friday to report the theft, which happened over the weekend.  

"Someone climbed up on the roof of the Banning Boy Scout house in Repplier Park and dismantled two roof A/C units and stole about $40 of aluminum and copper from each unit," he said.

That $40 theft will now cost the organization thousands in repairs, as the units were severely damaged in the process.

"The estimated repair costs for the damage is about $6,000," Smith said.

Banning police confirm the incident and say that they have not made any arrests in the case.

"We did find some footprints [at the scene], but that is the extent of it," Banning Police Sgt. Alex Diaz told Patch in a telephone interview Friday.  "It's really hard to get some fingerprints off of there, because the metal is really rough."

In the meantime, as we head into the hot summer months, Smith said the troop needs to replace the units– and would accept any donations to help offset the cost.

"I don't want to believe that someone would be so empty hearted to steal from the Boy Scouts, a group that has a reputation for giving so much to the community and selflessly helping others," he said, urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Banning police at 951-922-3170.

If you would like to help the group out via donations, Smith said to contact police or email Patch to get in contact.  You can email renee.schiavone@patch.com, and we'll be sure to pass any information along.