Scout trailer stolen from lot

A group of Boy Scouts were looking forward to an upcoming camping trip. But now, maybe not so much. 

That’s because thieves stole an enclosed trailer full of camping equipment from a parking lot at Nativity of Mary school at 10021 E. 36th Terrace in Independence.

The tandem axle trailer is between 12 and 14 feet long and is two-tone baby blue and white. It has, in red lettering, the words “Boy Scout Troop 178” on the front.

Vince Boucher, scoutmaster of Troop 178, said the trailer was in the parking lot on June 24 when the group met. However, when they met Tuesday night, it was gone. 

Boucher valued the trailer plus the equipment at approximately $3,000 to $4,000. Even more discouraging than the monetary loss is the dilemma of what the 21 boys will do for equipment during the 10 days of camping starting July 17 at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, Mo.

“We don’t have the money to replace the gear right now,” Boucher said. “We could borrow some things from other troops, I guess.”

Some of the equipment included cooking utensils, water coolers, propane grill and dining equipment.

The trailer had two parts to the hitch, and both were needed to hook up a vehicle to the trailer, he said. One part of the hitch was locked inside the trailer, so Boucher thinks the thieves may have broken into the trailer or had the necessary parts for the hook-up. 

“It’s discouraging to think that someone could steal not only from a church parking lot, but from a group of Boy Scouts,” said Jon Young, a leader with the troop.

 Anyone with information reguarding the whereabouts of the trailer is encouraged to contact the Independence Police Department at 816-325-7300.