Locker room burglary leaves team stripped

We’re not sure whether this next news item falls under the heading of sports or crime, but in any case it’s a crying shame. Last night at the Belize City Centre, while San Cas U.B. and the Raiders battled on the court in the first half of their B.B.A. match-up, an enterprising group of thieves was cleaning out the San Cas locker room. When the players broke for the half, they discovered that everything they left was gone: bags, clothes, shoes, wallets, cash, credit cards–you name it. According to team sources, the three foreign members of the team were particularly demoralised, as they live in Belize as guests and do not have families here to rely on in such emergencies. It is believed that the culprits gained entry either by picking the padlock to the door or obtaining a key. There were no signs of forced entry and the lock was found closed after the theft. San Cas U.B. owner Santino Castillo told News 5 that the players were so depressed that they very nearly did not return to the court for the second half. That would have been a shame, as the team went on to beat the Raiders badly, largely on the strength of newly signed six-ten centre Kevin Shand and point guard Reggie Eliot. According to Santino, responsibility for locker room security rests in the hands of the league and he told News 5 that he will be looking to League Commissioner Troy Gabb to reimburse the team members for their losses.