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May 17, 2023

Thieves target Milwaukee Boy Scout troop, steal camping equipment

Surveillance video shows trailer being towed away by a truck, even though it

Surveillance video shows trailer being towed away by a truck, even though it was locked

Surveillance video shows trailer being towed away by a truck, even though it was locked

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Surveillance video shows trailer being towed away by a truck, even though it was locked

A Milwaukee Boy Scout troop is trying to bounce back after the theft of its trailer and much of its equipment.

For more than 80 years, Troop 61 on Milwaukee's northwest side has provided opportunities for city kids to enjoy the great outdoors.

"During the summertime, we do a lot of camping," said Troop 61's Committee Chair Gene Genal on Thursday. "Like for a good example, our high schoolers are leaving on Friday for a high adventure trip, so we have to make some adjustments."

Those adjustments are needed after someone stole their trailer from outside their headquarters at Mother of Good Counsel Church at 68th Street and Lisbon Avenue Sunday, trashing it in the process.

Surveillance video showed it being towed away by a truck, even though it was locked.

"They drove with the boot on. You can see on the rim, where it just kept going. All the plastic is gone," Genal said. "They must not care if they took it. You know, I just don't think they think about how much it affects others."

The trailer was found abandoned Wednesday three miles away with damaged doors, axle, tongue and power brakes. Everything inside was gone, including an outboard boat motor, propane tanks for cooking, tools and other essential equipment.

"I know this trailer won't be ready for, we have the high adventure trip, we've got the first year campout coming up, we have summer camp in the second week of July," Genal said. "This trailer won't be ready to take our equipment up there, so we're going to have to rent trailers or, like I said, we don't know what damage was done to it, and it's sad. Why bother an organization that's trying to help our youth?"

Milwaukee police are investigating and according to Genal, they have a few leads. But, he said, that still won't replace the missing equipment or repair the trailer.