NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — We've told you about a recent string of copper thefts happening in central Arkansas, and now thieves are targeting a community ballpark for kids.
People living in North Little Rock's Rose City are searching for people who caused thousands of dollars of damage to one of the fields.
Now, the nonprofit that runs it is trying to move forward.
"To say it was disappointing is an understatement," North Little Rock resident Shirley Abel said.
That was Abel's initial reaction when she found out thieves targeted the ball field she grew up on.
"We just pray for the folks who did this damage and hope they realize what they've done and they don't do it again to anyone else," Abel said.
It's estimated that the damage will cost at least $6,000 to repair.
Shelby Hunter is an officer with the North Little Rock Police Department and the director of the North Little Rock Police Athletic League.
Hunter said he has put a lot of work into the fields, and it is disappointing that they were damaged by this theft.
"Since 2018, we've been going step by step, year by year, making the improvements you see now," Hunter said. "For someone to do that, it's just a step backward... you have to wonder... you have a compassion for kids at all."
The goal of the Police Athletic League is to help kids build new relationships and skills and stay engaged in positive activities like sports. However, because of the copper theft, some of them won't be able to play games after dark.
"That takes out the lighting," Hunter said. "If we were running games right now, we would have no scoreboard because all of the power to that field has been stripped away."
Hunter said the city does provide a small budget for uniforms and other sports equipment, but they'll need to raise money to cover the damage costs.
"When you talk about a facility that's here for the kids, it hurts a little more," Hunter said. "It's not just a business. This is a community program."
Abel is encouraging anyone with information about the incident to please come forward.
"If anybody does know anything, please let us know who did the damage," Abel said. "Maybe we can help them get their lives turned around."
Hunter said they have some video footage, but North Little Rock police are still determining if any nearby cameras caught the incident.
The mayor is also offering a $2,000 reward leading to the arrest of those responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to call (501) 680-8439. If you want to donate and help with repairs, email nlrpal@nlrpolice.org.