The Hillcrest Golf Club, a non-profit organization, has experienced a rash of break-ins over the past couple of years. The total amount has now added up to well over $150,000. 

The most recent series of thefts saw a substantial amount stolen or damaged in a single incident. 

“We had all of our backpack blowers stolen, all of our tools that we utilized throughout the season, weed whippers, leveling equipment, it all added up to roughly just under $70,000,” said Jasmine Cameron, General Manager at the Hillcrest Golf Club. 

As a result of these thefts, the course has taken steps to deter criminals and increase safety, including investing $16,000 in surveillance equipment to replace cameras damaged during the last incident, and installing a fence that covers the northern edge of the course, which cost the organization $82,000.  

However, vandals struck again within a few short weeks, this time cutting a portion of the fence. 

The costs incurred due to the criminal activity are placing a serious strain on the Hillcrest Golf Club. 

“We are a non-profit and the dollars that we are spending just to protect what we are trying to do as a business is just not feasible going forward,” said Cameron. 

Cameron stated that police have been notified about the incidents. In one case, the surveillance equipment which would have captured footage of the perpetrators was stolen along with the other items. 

“In our last break-in, the individuals took our cameras right off the roof. They pulled them down, broke in, and then they took our hard drive as well,” Cameron said. 

Cameron expressed frustration with the police response after the latest incident. Discover Moose Jaw News reached out to the Moose Jaw Police Service on Thursday to find out the status of the ongoing investigation. 

The Criminal Code of Canada states theft under $5,000 is a summary offence, punishable by no more than two years imprisonment. In cases of theft over $5,000, Crown prosecutors can elect to proceed by indictment, which is then punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.