BROOKINGS – Two plots at the community gardens were vandalized, including plants that were planted in memory of a loved one, according to Brookings Police.
The vandalism was reported shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday and occurred at Northbrook Park, at the corner of the Highway 14 bypass and Medary Avenue, Lt. Derrick Powers said. It happened between Saturday afternoon and the reporting time Tuesday.
“The fencing was knocked down, tomato cages knocked over, and most of the plants were trampled. Damage was estimated at several hundred dollars,” Powers said. “In addition to the monetary value, I think there was some sentimental value to the garden, too.”
Floyd Mabbitt of Brookings said his family lost a number of plants, including tomato, cucumber, pumpkins, squash and broccoli.
“My son was growing pumpkins, and they took five of the six pumpkins and left the smallest one,” he said.
But it was losing some of the other vegetables that hurt worse.
“They ripped out eight tomato cages and I know the smallest tomato cage was sitting at my shoulder height ... about 4-9,” Mabbit said.
“My wife’s dad passed away in November. He used to grow those beefsteak tomatoes. They were really huge, so she planted those as a memorial to her father,” Mabbitt said.
“They tore it up pretty good,” he added.
No suspects have been identified, Powers said.
If anyone has information about this case, contact the Brookings Police at 605-692-2113; contact Crimestoppers anonymously by visiting www.brookingsareacrimestoppers.com or by calling 605-692-STOP (7867).
