Hole-in-One Heist: Thief targets La Grande Country Club, steals thousands in clubs
By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ISLAND CITY — In a brazen act of burglary, the La Grande Country Club was struck by a thief who made off with over $10,000 worth of golf clubs. General Manager Stuart Smart reported that nearly 50 clubs, including drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids, were taken during the incident.
The break-in occurred around 11:45pm on Friday, August 2, with the thief gaining entry by breaking a window. “They just basically broke in a window and stole our drivers and fairway woods,” Smart said. “They kind of knew what they were looking for.”
Surveillance footage of the burglary from La Grande Country Club
Security cameras captured footage of the suspect, who appeared to be acting alone and was masked upon entering the building. Despite the alarm system activating and alerting the authorities, the thief managed to escape with the stolen goods before police arrived.
The estimated value of the stolen clubs exceeds $10,000, but other than the broken window and stolen security cameras, the pro shop sustained no additional damage.
“It makes you feel horrible, especially starting out the next morning that way,” Smart said.
This is not the first time the club has faced a break-in, but it is the most significant. In a previous theft, a disgruntled former employee stole a small amount of money. Smart, now in his ninth season with the club, expressed frustration over this most recent theft. “You keep seeing these kinds of crimes more and more,” he said.
The club is currently working with the Union County Sheriff’s Office to identify and apprehend the suspect. While the window has been temporarily boarded up, the club remains open.
The La Grande Country Club has also reached out to other golf courses and shared the incident on social media in hopes of recovering the stolen items and assisting law enforcement in their investigation.
“We’re hoping for an arrest soon,” Smart said. “In the meantime, we are continuing our operations and ensuring our members can still enjoy their time here.”
Anyone with information regarding the break-in is encouraged to contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
