By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
TWO major community sports facilities on Saipan were burglarized and vandalized last week, with thieves stealing copper wiring, sports equipment and damaging property at a time when both gyms were still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
The Koblerville gym, operated by the Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation, suffered extensive damage after suspects broke into the electrical room and removed copper wiring, adding new repair costs to ongoing storm recovery efforts.
Federation President James Lee said he received a call last Monday around 10 a.m. informing him that the gym had been vandalized.
“They broke into the electrical room and took all the copper wires,” Lee said. “It’s kind of sad because we were in the process of cleaning up after the storm. There’s still a lot that needs to be worked on, but now it’s an added setback.”
Lee said the theft threatens scheduled community sports programs, including youth and women’s basketball activities.
“We’re going to have to sit down and get a quote to see how much it’s going to cost to fix everything,” he said. “Being a nonprofit, we already have costs we need to cover just to clean up the facility. Now this is an added expense we weren’t expecting.”
He said the federation may need to seek assistance from the government, sponsors or federal programs such as FEMA.
The Koblerville gym remains under the Northern Marianas Housing Corp., which leases the facility through a competitive process every five years. The federation assumed operations of the gym in 2024.
“I have to pick up the police reports and meet with NMHC to inform them of what happened to their facility,” Lee said. “We’ve hosted youth programs, women’s programs and national team training here. This is a community space.”
Lee said Department of Public Safety investigators told him the suspects appeared to have taken their time and likely scouted the facility beforehand.
“It wasn’t like an overnight thing,” he said. “I understand everyone on the island is desperate, but targeting community facilities that help our youth and promote health and wellness for everyone is disheartening.”
He said copper wiring and basketball and volleyball equipment valued at more than $1,000 were stolen. Lee is calling for stricter regulations on copper wire sales.
“We need a total ban on copper wire purchases at recycling centers,” he said. “We need strict rules, and if they don’t follow them, there should be hefty fines or higher taxes on copper. Something has to happen.”
Ada gym, too
In a separate incident, the Ada gym at the Oleai Sports Complex was burglarized twice last week, according to Northern Marianas Sports Association Facility Manager Nate Guerrero.
Guerrero said the first break-in occurred Tuesday when someone threw a rock through a window in the weightlifting area, creating a large hole that allowed entry.
“One guy broke into the place,” Guerrero said. “We saw on the surveillance cameras that he looked around, stole a red bag and tried to open our offices but couldn’t.”
The following day, three young individuals — possibly high school students — returned and used the same broken window to enter the facility.
“They stuck their hands through the hole, unlocked another latch, came in, looked around and stole basketballs,” Guerrero said.
He estimated that about $100 worth of sports equipment was stolen. Unlike the Koblerville incident, no copper wiring or electrical components were taken.
Guerrero said the timing of the incidents raises questions.
“I would think it’s connected. It’s too much of a coincidence,” he said. “You wouldn’t think to steal from two gyms unless you’re trying to get copper wire or something like that.”
He said the break-ins undermine efforts to keep the facility open for community use during a difficult recovery period.
“We’re trying to maintain everything so associations can hold events and get people off the street, working out for their mental and physical health,” he said. “We do this for the good of the community. Now it sets us back and adds to the cost of recovering from typhoon damage.”
Mayor seeks federal assistance
Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho said he is preparing a letter seeking assistance from federal law enforcement agencies, citing increasing reports of drug activity, thefts and burglaries.
“I’m preparing a letter to seek help from the FBI and DEA because I’m getting a lot of calls about heavy drugs and a lot of crimes,” Camacho said on Friday.
He also plans to meet with DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas to discuss police deployment.
“I totally disagree with police officers being placed on stationary posts,” he said. “I need officers out in the field, roaming through the villages.”
A retired police major, Camacho said many residents displaced by Sinlaku have relocated, leaving belongings behind in damaged homes, which has contributed to theft reports.
“A lot of people relocated, but their personal belongings remain on their property,” he said. “Those are the reported missing items.”
Investigations ongoing
DPS Public Information Officer Fred Sato confirmed Monday that officers responded to both incidents and have opened investigations.
“The investigations remain active, and DPS is working to identify those responsible,” Sato said. “Damage to public facilities impacts the entire community.”
DPS urged anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (670) 664-9042 or the NMI Crime Stoppers hotline at (670) 234-7272.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
