PORT TOWNSEND — Thieves sliced into vehicle gas lines, broke into gas tanks and caused other damage to five Olympic Community Action Programs service and food delivery trucks earlier this month, the nutrition services director reported.
The thieves drained or siphoned fuel worth $450 to $500 from trucks parked at Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP)’s food distribution warehouse in Port Townsend’s Glen Cove industrial park, said MJ Baker Scott of OlyCAP in a press release.
The theft and damage on June 9 forced several days of schedule adjustments and delays in food deliveries to food pantries and meal programs in Jefferson and Clallam counties, including communities as far west as Forks and Neah Bay, Baker Scott said.
OlyCAP operates or serves dozens of large and small nonprofit and faith-based community food distribution and nutrition programs in Jefferson and Clallam counties, directly or indirectly feeding thousands of people.
The nonprofit’s name is displayed on the trucks and warehouse. Four of the vehicles were “large trucks with large gas tanks” and the fifth was a van, Baker Scott said.
The van, which was completely disabled, is used specifically for the delivery of meals to seniors in the communities.
Adjustments were made to ensure there were no gaps in service, Baker Scott said.
The thieves may have staked out the unfenced yard earlier.
“Someone came by the night before and took a heavy extension cord (stored outdoors),” Baker Scott said.
Implements found in the yard and damage done the following night made it clear the thieves brought a pry bar, bolt cutters, a flashlight, gas cans and hoses; they would have worked in the light of motion-triggered outdoor lights on the OlyCAP buildings, she added.
Donations to OlyCAP Nutrition Services can be sent to 823 Commerce Loop, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
