A string of break-ins and burglaries at the Kidsports Complex have forced the Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department to build a new security fence around the maintenance grounds.
Parks Superintendent Chad Fincher said four related burglaries have occurred at one of the complex’s facilities. Perpetrators have frequently stolen gasoline, taking roughly 10 to 15 gallons once a month for the last four months, he said.
Last weekend, another break-in occurred after siding was peeled away and one of the facility’s lawn mowers was driven into a door.
Fincher estimates the break-ins have caused roughly $400 to $500 in damage each time.
“It’s been very frustrating. You end up putting a lot of time and investment just repairing the damage and we’re pretty much tied up in what we have in labor this time of year,” Fincher said. “That’s something we don’t need to be spending time nor money on.”
Parks employees are installing a fence starting this week to try and protect buildings and equipment, he said.
“We think it will deter them but at the rate they’ve been going, if there’s a will, there’s a way,” Fincher said. “We’re just hoping at some point the police catch a break.”