A Massachusetts high school's upcoming season is at risk after thousands of dollars worth of equipment, including football helmets and jerseys, was stolen during an event.
The Stoneham High School Athletics Department pleaded for help finding the equipment, taken during an alumni event Tuesday, on X, formerly Twitter.
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"Our current athletes need this stuff and can't compete without it," Stoneham Athletics said on X Wednesday. "I am begging for anyone who took something to please return it asap."
On Tuesday, the old Stoneham High School hosted an alumni walk-through event, the athletics department explained.
The building, which closed down permanently on June 12, will be torn down this summer as the Stoneham High School Building Project finishes construction and opens a new school facility for students this fall.
The school's locker rooms were meant to be locked during the event, according to the athletics department, but investigators believe someone gained access through an unlocked back door and left with athletics equipment and uniforms.
The athletics department initially asked that anyone with information about the uniforms and equipment, or with the equipment itself, to come forward, calling it a "huge misunderstanding."
"We could not afford to get new stuff. This could destroy our upcoming season," read the post. "Our current athletes deserve better. Please help!"
But in an update from Stoneham police and the school district later, officials said the equipment was stolen, including “a significant quantity” of jerseys, helmets and practice shorts, many of which were necessary for the fall season. The helmets alone were each worth $400, and the thefts will impact 10 fall sports teams unable to compete without their equipment.
