Race track closed after burglary causing thousands of losses

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Florida. The popular racetrack in Palm Beach County has reopened after being attacked by thieves.

Volunteers at the Okeeheelee BMX track said a group of vandals destroyed their office, broke into a safe, and stole equipment and a sense of security.

“For this to happen to our family, our community, our home, it’s a huge disruption to our space,” said Jennifer Kraatz, president of the board of directors.

Kraatz said the crime happened around 4 a.m. Wednesday. A week earlier, a man caught on surveillance cameras stole two bicycles in broad daylight. Kraatz believes the suspect was involved in both crimes.

“We’ve lost between $2,000 and $3,000 and the cost to fix the damage is over $5,000,” she said.

Considered the best track in the state and third in the country, Okeeheelee BMX serves 800 local riders, with about 100 volunteer parents willing to help if needed.

After the theft, it was planned to close the store until further notice, but thanks to the parents and their loving work, the object was restored within a few hours.

I left work at 3:00 pm, came straight here, stayed here until 9:30 last night, and came back today to finish,” said Dave Davis, parent volunteer. “This is for the kids. Kids need something to do so they don’t do those things.”

“You know, it was really amazing. I think it brought us closer and closer together, and we fully believed in the true weight of the Okeeheelee BMX family,” said Kraatz.

No arrests have been made in the case, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

To help prevent another crime, a monitored security system will be installed on Friday morning.