Local Boy Scout Troop Loses New Trailer To Thieves

Local Boy Scout Troop Loses New Trailer To Thieves

Trailer, $10,000 Worth Of Camping Equipment Stolen From Storage Lot

POSTED: 2:24 pm EDT November 6, 2010
UPDATED: 5:33 pm EDT November 6, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A local Boy Scout troop is out of nearly $10,000 worth of camping equipment and a new trailer after they said thieves stole their trailer from its storage lot in downtown Orlando.Boy Scout Troop 148 Troop Leader John Sowinski said he noticed the trailer missing from its storage lot near Brookhaven and Virginia drives Thursday afternoon and immediately notified Orlando police. Local security said they last saw the trailer Thursday morning."The loss is extremely disappointing to the troop," Sowinski said.Sowinski said the scouts purchased the new trailer in March using funds that the troop raised following their annual Christmas Tree sale."A troop losing its trailer is like a family losing its home," Sowinski said. "Each patrol's gear was on board, neatly packed and labeled - all of our stoves, life vests, patrol kitchens, paddles, the works. Scouting is about teaching boys to make ethical decisions throughout their lives while instilling patriotism and reverence to God. It will be quite a challenge to reconcile the lessons we are trying to teach with this loss."In addition to the 2009 Pace American Journey silver trailer, Sowinski said several tents, canopies, grills and other cooking equipment were also missing.Sowinski said they are reaching out to the community in helping to locate the missing trailer and camping supplies. A page on the troop's website, www.Troop148.us, outlines the missing equipment with photos so that the community might recognize the stolen goods at local pawn shows, garage sales and Internet shopping sites.Anyone with information on the stolen trailer is asked to call the Orlando Police Department at 407-246-2470.