Vandalism and Theft at Newberry Springs guzzler

The thieves have struck again, this time with gusto. Last year, the two shade rock covers were stolen from one of the guzzlers in Newberry Springs. The best guess was that someone needed a really nifty free doghouse.  The SCBS Board of Directors did not want to keep supplying the thieves with designer doghouses, so SCBS volunteers crafted plywood replacements to remove the temptation.  All was status-quo until Carlos Gallinger reported on May 18, 2024 that the thieves had returned, this time they wanted the rain mat.

The thieves had cut the bottom half of the rain mat around the sand bag lined edges, essentially surgically extracting it after removing the rocks that covered it. These mats are very heavy, and thus it is probably why the thieves were not able to take it on the first try. On May 19, SCBS Rick Halter checked the site and cut open the fastening straps, rolling the mat back open partially. Apparently the thieves returned around May 23, pulling the mat past the tanks and shade covers; they were thwarted by two large boulders that served as a barrier. It appears that the thieves slashed up the mat in anger at this point.  Rick unattached all the chains and straps. Finally, after a six day delay, a Game Warden returned our calls only to inform that it was the jurisdiction of the Sheriff’s Department. Danielle Glass of the CDFW contacted the Sheriff’s Department, and Carlos returned to the scene to meet with the officer. Despite Carlos and Rick checking on the guzzler constantly, the thieves were able to drag one of the boulders out of place and the section of rain mat was stolen by May 28.  This guzzler is currently full, but it will not be able to collect rain in this state of disrepair. What’s that you suggest, a camera? We’ve tried that in this location in the past – the thieves stole that too. The SCBS BOD has not yet decided how to remedy this sad situation. ~ story extrapolated by Debbie Miller Marschke from emails and Facebook posts.

Editor note: SCBS would consider replacing the hypalon rain mat that was stolen with a concrete mat - but for the cost of the concrete. If there are any concrete ready mix companies out there that would be willing to make a donation, please step up.