Security Beefed Up at Little League Complex

The Menomonee Falls Little League Complex has seen its fair share of double plays and game-winning runs, but unfortunately, it’s also seen its fair share of vandalism.

However, those who find it entertaining to drive around on the fields or destroy concession stands will have a hard time getting away with it from now on. About a month ago, league organizers installed an elaborate surveillance system throughout the complex to catch vandals red-handed.

“When we got hit with that last incident of vandalism we got a call from a security company within a week and they asked if they could help in any way,” said Little League President Mark McLean. “It just came to the point that if people are going to be that bold we needed to do something.”

Back in August, a group of vandals that cost thousands of dollars in damage that came right out of the pockets of the state’s largest little league program, which is also a nonprofit organization.

Vandals drove a golf cart through a storage shed, tipped over a portable bathroom, broke into a concession stand and threw condiments all around. They took it to another extreme when they taped a bottle to the gas pedal of a cart and sent it sailing into a tree.

Despite a for tips leading to the arrest of the individuals involved, the suspects still have not been caught. When the incident occurred, more than $1,000 came in from random residents who wanted to help up the ante for the reward.

But the incident in August was just one of three total incidents that occurred that same year. On two occasions, suspects drove their vehicles into the complex and used the outfield as their personal highway. On one occasion, a field worker left to run an errand and someone had driven through the fields within the 20 minutes he was gone – in the middle of the day.

Over the past several years, vandalism has been a reoccurring theme at the complex.

“If someone wants to get in there and cause some damage now they can knock themselves out, but we will catch them,” McLean warned. “Everyone wants these people caught. They are as fed up as we are.”

The new security system features a series of security cameras that are affixed in such a way that no corner of the complex is left out of sight. In addition, McLean said they have also improved the motion lighting systems throughout the complex. The front gates are also locked at all times except when the fields are in use for practice and games.

The added security measures cost roughly as much as the damage done to the complex over the year.

“We are nonprofit, but we do keep money in reserve for situations just like this and we had to dip into that,” McLean said. “We knew it would hit our pockets, but the way we were hit at the beginning of the year and most recently, we needed to.”

McLean said neighbors within view of the complex have also pledged to be vigilant and keep an eye out on the fields, which are so important to Menomonee Falls residents.

“People really care about that place up there, and everyone has been keeping an eye on those fields,” McLean said.

The new security measures were the first projects kicked off by the board in McLean’s first year as president. Several other improvements have been added for the 2012 season as well.

The lower four fields were rebuilt. A new garage was built, which houses a new concession cart that will ship refreshments and snacks up to the softball diamonds on game day. All the buildings were also repainted, and the concession stand menu is getting some new additions.

“There’s a little something new for all divisions in the league for the 2012 season,” McLean said.