More than 100 local youth will be impacted following the theft of team jerseys for the Bluewater Flag Football League, organizers say.
“On Saturday, April 6, at 2:51 p.m., our youth team jerseys were stolen,” a Facebook post reads from the local youth sports organization. “This unfortunate event has left us deeply troubled, and we are turning to you, our community, for support and assistance in rectifying this situation.
“We are now actively collaborating with the NFL Flag Organization and the Sarnia Police to address this matter and secure the return of our stolen property.”
Sarnia Police say they’re investigating after a package was stolen from the front porch of a residence in the area of Mackenzie Street N., and Durand Street, during the early evening hours on April 6.
Organizers say stolen items were contained within a large cardboard box sealed with NFL Flag Tape. Each jersey was individually wrapped.
The missing jerseys include those representing The Kansas City Chiefs, The Buffalo Bills, The Indianapolis Colts, and the Houston Texans. Additionally, ten red and five blue NFL Flag Footballs were also taken.
The jerseys are for the Bluewater Flag Football Youth League, which is about to launch its spring season.
“These jerseys are not mere merchandise—they represent the pride and spirit of our youth,” wrote executive director Kate Brandon. “The devastation felt by these children upon learning of the theft will be immeasurable.
“We appeal to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the stolen jerseys to come forward,” she added. “We have expended considerable time and effort canvassing the community, engaging with hundreds of individuals, and now our hope rests on the possibility that someone will step forward to return the items.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-344-8861 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or at www.p3tips.com