TV, video game system swiped from senior center

The Nintendo Wii became an overnight favorite at the Havelock Senior Center, with guests lining up to play bowling and golf simulators.

Now, the game controllers sit idle and the shelf that held the large-screen television is bare. The video game console, Sanyo high-definition TV and two DVD players were stolen in a Wednesday night or Thursday morning break-in.

"They enjoyed it so much, they were really getting into the bowling (game)," said A.D. Brady, program director at the senior center. "It's something that they really looked forward to."

At least 18 seniors were signing up to use the Wii, and dozens more enjoyed watching movies from the center's collection of 600 DVDs, Brady said. The big-screen plasma TV was popular with senior center guests.

"It was state-of-the-art," he said. "The clarity was just amazing."

Brady arrived at the senior center Thursday morning to find a front window shattered and the electronics missing.

"I came in at my normal time and discovered that the window had been busted," he said. "I went inside to see exactly what the damages were, and the office that they broke into was a mess. Glass was everywhere."

Brady said the library door had been unlocked and he saw no signs of forced entry. Interior rooms in the senior center are locked at the end of each day, he explained.

Police believe the break-in happened between 9:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. Lt. Brian Woods of the Havelock Police Department said investigators are "tracking a few leads down."

The Trader Avenue senior center hopes to replace the stolen electronics. Brady said he wasn't sure if the city of Havelock, which operates the center, would file an insurance claim.

"It's something right along the lines of stealing from a church," Brady said. "I was raised to respect seniors and try to help improve their way of life. I think it was just a low blow and whoever did it just has no morals whatsoever."

Anyone with information can call Woods or Investigator Mike Stuart at the Havelock Police Department, 447-3212, or Craven County Crime Stoppers at 633-5141. Callers to either agency can remain anonymous.