Digital Alert: T-Shirt Theft at Neuquina Federation in Sports City
- NEUQUÉN, Argentina (AP) — The Neuquina de Hockey Federation is grappling wiht material losses and heightened security concerns after a robbery Sunday at its Ciudad Deportiva facilities.The incident...
- Alejandro Porte, a Federation member, said in an interview that the thieves broke in through a window. They made off with tools, a speaker, sound equipment, and lighting...
- The robbery targeted the pump room of the water court,a unique and costly-to-maintain infrastructure in Patagonia.Porte said the stolen items, including a Bosch circular saw valued at more...
Hockey Federation in Neuquén Hit by Robbery Ahead of Tournament
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NEUQUÉN, Argentina (AP) — The Neuquina de Hockey Federation is grappling wiht material losses and heightened security concerns after a robbery Sunday at its Ciudad Deportiva facilities.The incident occurred at 7 a.m.
Alejandro Porte, a Federation member, said in an interview that the thieves broke in through a window. They made off with tools, a speaker, sound equipment, and lighting intended for the hockey water field. Security cameras captured the incident.
Theft Impacts Tournament Preparations
The robbery targeted the pump room of the water court,a unique and costly-to-maintain infrastructure in Patagonia.Porte said the stolen items, including a Bosch circular saw valued at more then 500,000 pesos, represent a significant financial setback.
“Economically, this is a major blow,” Porte said. “They also took a jacket and two team shirts, which complicates our ability to assemble uniforms for upcoming tournaments.”
Insecurity a Recurring Problem
Porte noted that insecurity is an ongoing issue in Ciudad Deportiva. He said the federation is not the only victim. A cycling circuit irrigation pump was stolen last year. Despite the presence of security cameras, criminals continue to operate with impunity.
“Everything is filmed,” Porte said. “the person is seen carrying a large speaker, a backpack with tools, and a full bag, walking calmly.”
Federation Responds with Security Upgrades
Following the robbery, the Federation implemented immediate security measures. “We put bars on all the windows and installed an alarm, but it’s not enough,” Porte said. Federation officials met with Sports City authorities, including Secretary Marita Villone and prosecretary Ignacio Russo, who pledged to improve security. the province has since assigned security personnel to patrol the area.
Patagonian tournament Faces Setbacks
The theft comes at a critical time, just days before the Patagonian senior tournament, scheduled for April 24-27 at the Water court and the Self-reliant Club. “They stole lights that we were going to use for the tournament, and now we are trying to figure out how to replace them,” Porte said.
The championship, which draws teams from across Patagonia, is crucial for qualifying for the Super League, argentina’s elite hockey competition.
Federation Invests in Facilities
The Neuquina de Hockey Federation, like other sports organizations, invests its own funds in maintaining its facilities. “All of this is an effort by the Federation, players, and parents,” Porte explained. “The resources go back into maintaining the court, but a robbery like this sets us back.” The loss of personal tools belonging to board members further compounds the situation.
Local Player Achieves National Recognition
Despite the challenges, Porte highlighted a recent achievement: Violeta de Esquivel Ochoa, a neuquina from the Altavarda Club, was selected to join the national under-16 team, Las Leoncitas, for training in Mendoza and a tour of Chile.
Inquiry Underway
Police are investigating the robbery, but no arrests have been made. Porte said the suspect was recorded leaving through a window 2 meters high and crossing wiring to the Ignacio Above neighborhood, near police station 17. The Federation hopes that collaboration with the neighborhood will help identify the person responsible.
The Neuquino hockey community is preparing for the tournament with determination.”It is indeed a big investment for sport,and we need to take care of it,” Porte concluded,urging support for the region’s sports legacy.
Hockey Federation Hit by Robbery in Neuquén Before Tournament: Your Questions Answered
Q: What happened to the Neuquina de Hockey Federation in Neuquén, Argentina?
A: The Neuquina de Hockey Federation suffered a robbery at its Ciudad Deportiva facilities on a Sunday morning. According to Federation member Alejandro Porte, the thieves broke in through a window.
Q: What items were stolen from the hockey facilities?
A: The thieves made off with several items,including tools,a speaker,sound equipment,and lighting equipment intended for the hockey water field. The stolen items included a Bosch circular saw valued at over 500,000 pesos,as well as team jackets and shirts.
Q: How has this robbery impacted the Federation?
A: The robbery has significantly impacted the Federation on several fronts. Firstly, it represents a major financial setback due to the loss of valuable equipment.Secondly, it has disrupted preparations for the upcoming Patagonian senior tournament,scheduled for April 24-27, as crucial lighting equipment needed for the event was stolen.Thirdly,the theft of team shirts complicates the ability to assemble uniforms for upcoming tournaments.
Q: What security measures were in place before the robbery?
A: Security cameras were present at the facilities, which captured the incident.However, criminals continue to operate with impunity, as evidenced by the recent robbery and the theft of a cycling circuit irrigation last year.
Q: What steps has the Federation taken in response to the robbery?
A: Immediately following the robbery, the Federation implemented several security upgrades. They put bars on all windows and installed an alarm system. Federation officials met with Sports City authorities, who pledged to improve security. The province has since assigned security personnel to patrol the area.
Q: Has there been any response from the authorities?
A: Police are investigating the robbery, but no arrests have been made. The suspect was recorded leaving through a window and crossing wiring to the Ignacio Above neighborhood, near police station 17. The Federation hopes that collaboration with the neighborhood will help identify the person responsible.
Q: What is the significance of the upcoming Patagonian senior tournament?
A: The Patagonian senior tournament is a crucial event for teams across Patagonia, as it serves as a qualifying event for the Super League, Argentina’s elite hockey competition.
Q: How does the Federation fund its facilities?
A: The Neuquina de Hockey Federation, like other sports organizations, invests its own funds in maintaining its facilities. These resources come from the Federation, players, and parents.
Q: Have there been any positive developments despite the challenges?
A: Yes, despite the setbacks, Violeta de Esquivel Ochoa, a player from the Altavarda Club, was selected to join the national under-16 team, Las Leoncitas, for training in mendoza and a tour of Chile.
Q: What is the overall sentiment within the Neuquino hockey community?
A: The Neuquino hockey community is approaching the upcoming tournament with determination. Alejandro Porte emphasized the important investment in the sport and urged support for the region’s sports legacy.