WEST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) — Lock your cars and don’t leave any valuables in plain sight.
That’s the message from USA Softball of Rhode Island after thieves targeted two separate softball tournaments over the weekend.
West Greenwich police confirm one of the thefts happened at a field at Lineham Elementary School. The other happened at a different softball tournament at Whipple Field in Smithfield.
“People have had laptops stolen, cameras, credit cards, money,” said Bev Wiley, USA Softball of RI State Commissioner. “An isolated incident is one thing. But, when you hear that it’s happened in Warwick, Smithfield, Exeter-West Greenwich, and Providence, it’s just very disheartening that people would think to do that.”
In some of the instances thieves broken into unlocked cars. But the most recent crime in Exeter, someone smashed a car window.
“This is the first time we’ve had such a rash of [thefts] at so many of our tournaments,” Wiley said.
The fall softball season runs into mid-November. Wiley said over the next few weeks, tournament directors will be keeping a close eye on parking lots.
“Know that we’re trying to do the best we can to protect children,” Wiley said.
The organization also urged parents, coaches, and spectators to lock their vehicles and keep valuables out of sight.
West Greenwich Police said officers will be more vigilant at tournaments going forward.
