BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — For the second time in as many years, the Brooklyn Park Salvation Army has been targeted by criminals.
“We’re really here as a center of hope,” said Capt. Daniel Simmons of the Salvation Army in Brooklyn Park.
The holidays are the most visible time of the year for The Salvation Army. While the Brooklyn Park location is meant to give to those in need, thieves are taking from them.
“It was definitely frustrating when it happened and we were trying to serve the community as best we could,” Simmons said.
When Simmons arrived at work one morning, he noticed a gas cap was missing from one of their vehicles. Then he noticed that the Salvation Army magnetic boards were missing. Surveillance footage from the night before showed people siphoning gas and stealing the signs.
Simmons said he’s more concerned about the missing signs than the stolen gas. That’s because he fears they will use them to pose as Salvation Army employees or volunteers to gain access to boilers.
This crime wave comes two years after a man tried to vandalize their building and a bus set the chapel on fire. It caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in smoke and water damage, and it lasted almost a year to rebuild.
Salvation Army
“We have come to the conclusion that even with the person who destroyed the building, we are trying to gain the capacity for forgiveness and mercy,” Simmons said.
But the crimes still weigh on him. He grew up with the Salvation Army, along with his mother and sister. He said it was a lifeline at a time when his family had nothing. He hopes that one day people with bad intentions will understand that.
“Really that it comes to an end so that we can continue to do the best that we can do for the most people. And really that they are part of the solution and not part of the problem in Brooklyn Park,” said Simmons. .
Police have not yet arrested anyone in the recent thefts.
Johannes Lauritsen
