Stoneham authorities reported that a significant amount of sports equipment was stolen during an alumni event on Tuesday night. The stolen items included football helmets valued at $400 each, field hockey and football jerseys, and practice shorts. A total of 10 fall sports teams had their equipment taken. The theft occurred during an “Alumni Walkthrough” event at the old Stoneham High School, which had been closed to make way for a new high school. It is estimated that 350 to 400 people were inside the building during the event.
Stoneham Superintendent David Ljungberg stated that all the rooms that were off-limits were locked, including the Athletic Training Room. However, the Athletic Training Room had a back door that was unlocked, allowing the group to access it by navigating through several back classes and rooms. The Stoneham Athletics Department made a plea for help earlier in the day, stating that the sports seasons could be in jeopardy without the stolen equipment. The department urged anyone who took something to return it as soon as possible to prevent the need for new uniforms that the school cannot afford.
Ljungberg mentioned that the school system is cooperating with the police to retrieve the stolen equipment in time for the fall season. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Stoneham police at 781-438-1215. Neal J. Riley, a digital producer for CBS Boston, reported on this incident and noted that the equipment is vital for the current athletes to compete in the upcoming seasons.