Vandals struck at Saanich Fusion FC’s Tyndall Park turf soccer pitch and clubhouse for the second time in six months earlier this month.
During the night of Saturday, June 7, a table was destroyed, the clubhouse barbecue was tipped over and damaged, and garbage was strewn about the grounds at 4368 Tyndall Ave. Some of the sponsor signs along the fence were defaced with unsavoury language.
“A door to storage had been left unlocked, unfortunately, allowing (the vandals) access to equipment and more than a hundred soccer balls which were kicked all over the place,” said Fusion president Barrie Keefe.
It’s the second time Tyndall has been targeted in about six months. Both incidents were reported to Saanich Police.
“We had a previous incident at Christmastime. Someone used a knife to cut three of our soccer nets off. They were thrown about, one of them onto a stop sign along Tyndall Avenue,” Keefe said.
The nets cost up to $400 each to replace, he added.
There was also a significant slash to the artificial turf, which has to be repaired by a qualified worker to retain the 15-year warranty.
“It means bringing someone over from Vancouver at our own cost to sew the turf up properly,” Keefe said.
“Generally speaking we don’t any have problems because there’s so often one or another type of user group providing security here,” Keefe said. “Hopefully the neighbourhood will heighten its awareness of any suspicious activity.”
Saanich police Sgt. Steve Eassie says there haven’t been any other notable vandalism incidents reported in the area. He recommends residents remain vigilant and report any suspicious people or activity.
The clubhouse and turf field are flanked by houses along the south side. But the property becomes quite dark when the lights go out at 10 p.m.
If anyone has information or knows of any similar incidents that have occurred in the area, they can call Saanich police at 250-475-4321.
reporter@saanichnews.com