Thieves Steal Boy Scouts' Trailers From Bethany Church Parking Lot

Some Bethany boy scouts said they are trying to figure out their next move after burglars stole everything their troop had.

Thieves took the troop's two trailers from a church parking lot sometime between Thursday night and Monday afternoon.

All that was left of two trailers that belonged to Boy Scout Troop 553 out of Bethany was a broken piece of the trailer hitch.

Scout Master Bob Albauer said his heart sank when he realized what had happened.

“It's devastating for the boys and they work so hard,” Albauer fumed.

The troop stored its trailers full of camping gear at St. Mark's United Methodist Church near N.W. 36th Street and Council Road in Bethany.

Not only did the thieves steal from kids, they went to a church to do it.

“Of the Ten Commandments; thou shalt not steal, and we're here and they are coming right to the back of the church and taking it,” Albauer said.

The trailers contained tents, stoves, ovens, propane tanks, tools, water coolers, tarps, the camp kitchen and a portable garage canopy.

Albauer estimated it would cost more than $25,000 to replace everything.

The equipment has been built up over the years, passed on from earlier boy scouts and current scouts added to the stash.

“Our scouts mean the world to us and we'd just like to have it back,” Albauer told News 9.

Albauer said his troop will continue learning about leadership and honor, even though cowards turned them into crime victims.

“We'll be able to bounce back, we'll continue on the program,” Albauer said. “We never give up,” he added.

The troop has already planned its first fundraiser; a pancake breakfast for Valentine's Day from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

They said they will be adding several more fundraisers to their schedule to raise money and try to replace what was stolen.

If you know anything about the theft or if you see the trailers, you're asked to call Bethany police.

A fundraising account has been set up at Saint Marks United Methodist Church for the boy scouts.

Call the church office at (405)789-9033 for more information.

Learn more about a GoFundMe account set up to help the troop.