A local softball tournament struck out over the weekend after organizers discovered that thousands of dollars were stolen from them.
According to the Nanaimo RCMP, organizers had a cash box that contained roughly $5,500 from the tournament, which is held annually at McGirr Sports Complex and consisted of 15 men's teams from across Vancouver Island. The money would have been used to pay the umpires and field fees.
Tournament organizers became aware of the theft at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, which was the last day of the tournament.
The Nanaimo RCMP were called after organizers realized that the cash box, which had been left in an unsecured area, was missing.
"Organizers are shocked and dismayed that someone would stoop so low. They will be taking to social media sites to let people know what happened and hopefully find out who is responsible," Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman said in a press release. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP Const. Justin Ickringill at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be submitted online www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.