In a shocking turn of events, up to $8,000 worth of sports equipment was stolen during an alumni event at Stoneham High School on Tuesday. The items taken included football helmets, jerseys, and practice shorts from the old Stoneham High School building, which is currently being torn down. Stoneham Superintendent David A. Ljungberg expressed disappointment and alarm over the incident.
The theft occurred during an event to mark the closing of the old campus, where alumni and their guests were given a final tour of the building. Despite the front door to the athletic rooms being locked, the culprits accessed the equipment through an unlocked back door by navigating through back rooms. The stolen gear, some of which was brand new, was in sealed and labeled boxes that were cut open. It is unclear if the thieves were alumni themselves.
The equipment that was stolen was intended for use by student athletes in the upcoming school year. School officials are cooperating with the Stoneham police and reviewing surveillance video to identify the perpetrators. Superintendent Ljungberg emphasized the importance of retrieving the stolen equipment rather than seeking retribution through legal action.
The school community is shocked and saddened by the theft and is working to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. Despite this setback, efforts are underway to equip student athletes with necessary gear for
