Windows have been broken, artifacts have been destroyed and there is now fear for the safety of farm animals due to arrive next month.
Ian Warwick, executive director of the Sunnybrook Farm Museum, said on Monday that he and the volunteers he works with are trying to put a stop to weekend partiers targetting their facility.
There has always been some level of activity in the neighbouring Waskasoo park system to the east, said Warwick.
However, the problems have escalated in the last two months with a group of young people building fires in a secluded area of the park on weekend evenings and then breaking into buildings on the farm, including the Hanna House. Culprits have damaged or stolen artifacts, and stolen firewood.
Goods stolen from the site include handmade furniture pieces that were subsequently thrown into the fire, said Warwick.
The culprits also broke into a steel storage building and damaged property inside, including spraying the interior with a fire extinguisher.
Sunnybrook Farm, the RCMP and bylaw officers working for Red Deer City Parks are working together to identify and hopefully nab the people they believe are behind the activities, aided by pictures snapped with security cameras at the farm.
Cpl. Kathe DeHeer, media liaison officer for the Red Deer City RCMP, said she has copies of the pictures, which she will release to local news agencies on Tuesday to help identify and track down the culprits.
Those involved could face numerous charges, including break and enter, theft and mischief, said DeHeer.
Trevor Poth, parks superintendent for the City of Red Deer, said his department has three bylaw officers performing random patrols who will also keep a keen eye out for these suspects as well as anyone else who is wilfully damaging public property. The citizens of Red Deer — who have identified the 4,000-acre park system as their favourite amenity — are asked to play their part as well and contact the City RCMP if they see anything suspicious, said Poth.
He advises that people call 9-1-1 if there is imminent danger. Otherwise, please report to the City RCMP complaint line, 403-343-5575.
To remain anonymous, submit information online to www.tipsubmit.com or call Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477.
bkossowan@www.reddeeradvocate.com