Attention Asheville-Buncombe Youth Soccer kids and parents: Skyrocketing car break-ins at soccer fields means you should leave valuables at home, lock your cars

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Here’s the email that’s going around:

THIS IS A MASS EMAIL FROM ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION.

Reply-to: [email protected]

Dear ABYSA Family,

Over the past year there has been a dramatic increase in car break-ins at both the Buncombe County Sports Park and the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex. Numerous ABYSA families have been victims of these professional thieves and have had valuables stolen from their cars. Finding your car window broken and valuables missing is not a great way to end an otherwise a fun day watching your child play their game! We have a few suggestions to help you avoid this unpleasant experience:

Do not bring valuables with you to your soccer games. We have had no reports of break-ins when there was nothing in the car worth stealing!

If you must bring valuables with you, stash them BEFORE you get to the park. We are assured by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department and the Asheville City Police that these are slick and seasoned professionals. They are looking to see folks stashing a purse or other valuable item under the seat when the select their targets. Certainly do not leave items in view and consider bringing items you want to protect with you on to the field. 

If you witness suspicious activity or a break-in at the park, please call 911 immediately! Local law enforcement officials are aware of the problem and have increased patrols, however, constant police patrol is not possible and we are asking you to take personal steps to avoid being a victim.

Thank you for attention to this matter and the opportunity to serve your children and family. We hope you enjoy a great season of ABYSA Recreation Soccer.

Mike Rottjakob

Executive Director, ABYSA

 

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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4 Comments

  1. SoccerMom March 17, 2010

    Oops, I take it back. Just got my email from ABYSA. I suppose the thefts ARE still going on. A real shame.

    Reply
  2. SoccerMom March 17, 2010

    Although we’re an ABYSA family, I hadn’t seen this email recently. They did send one out a year or so ago, when there was a rash of break-ins in the soccer field parking lots. I don’t know if the break-ins are still going on, but people parking at the soccer fields should always stay aware and not leave any valuables in their cars!

    Reply
  3. Learn to read March 17, 2010

    Murphy, It’s perfectly reasonable to understand that police can’t be there "constantly." They can’t even be in public housing "constantly."

    What Mike said shows that police HAVE increased patrol: Local law enforcement officials are aware of the problem and have increased patrols, however, constant police patrol is not possible."

    To expect them to stay all day and night in a soccer complex parking lot is crazy. I’d rather have them in places like Pisgah View, where people get shot, than at a soccer field.

    You’re just a hater.

    Reply
  4. Murphy March 17, 2010

    Why aren’t "constant" LEO patrols possible …

    If there is a strong pattern of crime in a specific area, there seems to be a valid argument for a "increased presence" in that area.

    You can bet if homes in Biltmore Park or on Kimberly Ave. were being targeted the LEO would be on it.

    It is a shame what the local police choose to focus on and ignore.

    Reply

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