Thief robs Fayetteville youth center, leaves apology note

Fayetteville, N.C. — A thief who broke into a Fayetteville youth athletic center and hauled away thousands of dollars in property left behind an apology note praising the center's work, authorities said.

Cumberland County sheriff's investigators are looking for the thief or thieves who broke into the back door of the 360 Elite Baseball Academy during the late evening hours of Jan. 16. Three television sets, a computer, baseball uniforms, batting gloves, sports team necklaces and candy were taken in the heist.

But someone left behind a note that read: "Sorry about the mess and the drywall damage. I think what you are doing here is a good thing."

The academy, at 3545 Gillespie St., offers training for teams and individuals in baseball and softball.

"The audacity of leaving me a letter like this just infuriates me," 360 Elite co-owner Glenn Jernigan said Tuesday. "If (we're) doing such a great thing, don't take my kid's stuff."

Jernigan said it appeared to him that whoever broke in used a crow bar to get inside and by the tire marks, backed a vehicle up to the back door.

Anyone with information about the robbery should call the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office at 910-323-1500.

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The letter 360 Elite should write him/her when and if they are caught: "Dear theif, I'm glad the police arrested you and you were found guilty of taking these kids' stuff. Enjoy your short stay in prison, if you go, and we appreciate the restitution you were ordered to pay us but we will never recieve. Better luck commiting your next crime, which we are sure is in the very near future, since society has shown you that it's easier to take somebodys elses stuff than to work for it - and you aren't really punished when you do get caught."

chairmannc
January 25, 2013 12:47 p.m.

"If (we're) doing such a great thing, don't take my kid's stuff." Should be ". . . don't take my kids' stuff." Multiple kids, possessive.

Grammar aside, I completely agree. By stealing all that stuff, the thieves have made it all the more difficult for them to do what they do.

childofNC
January 22, 2013 4:41 p.m.

If only there was someplace this person could have gone to get off the streets and be steered away from a life of crime

Crumps Br0ther
January 22, 2013 1:24 p.m.

This shows that their still could be a chance they this person (or persons) have a heart and to now return the items,it takes more courage and strength to do this then the robbery did.