Two youths charged in concession burglaries

Port Aransas police say they've solved the mystery of the concession stand break-ins at the Little League ball fields at Community Park - at least, partially.

Detective Lt. Darryl Johnson said two boys, both juveniles and both Port Aransas residents, have been charged with burglary of a building in connection with a break-in that happened at the concession stand overnight on Wednesday, April 30.

That was one of four break-ins reported at the concession stand.

The first one occurred the night of Friday, April 25, when someone broke a vent in a door and stole $91, said Beverly Gilbreath, the self-styled "concession lady" at the park.

Gilbreath said the money was only there waiting to be picked up the same night, but the vandals got there before the pick-up person did.

On April 28, burglars stole about $10 worth of beef jerky and opened the upstairs room in the building but stole nothing from there.

On May 1, $50 in candy and food was missing, Gilbreath said.

On Saturday, May 3, police checked the building during the early hours and found it secure. About two hours later, however, an officer noticed an item outside the building and on investigation, found it had been broken into.

This time, some walls in the stand were kicked in to gain entry to an interior room.

Gilbreath said nothing of value, including food or money, is being kept in the concession building any longer.

"While these boys confessed to breaking into the building, I'm not convinced they're the only ones involved," Johnson said. He said anyone with information about the burglaries is encouraged to call him at 749-6241, or the city's crime tips hotline at 749- 5288. Callers to the hotline number may remain anonymous if they wish.