ARLINGTON – Police are seeking information about thieving Grinches who broke into the new teen center at the Arlington Boys and Girls Club and stole game console equipment and other items.

“Over the past weekend we had several expensive electronics stolen from our new teen center,” said a baffled Kristina Helland, teen program director. “So close to Christmas; it’s heartbreaking and sad that somebody would steal from teenagers.”

Items stolen included a White Xbox One S Console, 5 Xbox One remotes – two blue, two white and a rechargeable red remote, a red Dell laptop in total valued at $1,300, and $100 cash from a concession box.

Helland said the Teen Room was locked Friday night after Teen Night that drew 50 kids, so someone must have entered the room and left the door unlocked leaving it open to the large groups of visitors who were at the club Sunday for a community meeting and volleyball tournament.

Helland first realized items were missing on Monday when she was back at work busing students from a school, and he asked what they did with the Xbox.

The room was not vandalized, and otherwise looked in order, Helland said. Thieves left behind one Xbox unit that was bolted onto a tray. The club has surveillance cameras, but they were not yet operational.

If you have information, please contact Arlington police and reference Case No. 17-2489-6, or call the Club at 360-435-4442.

Helland’s spirits are being lifted some since she sent out an email about the incident.

“I’ve had an overwhelming response from people who have wanted to help and donate.”

A club parent Wednesday set up a GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/to-replace-stolen-electronics.