The director of a local retreat for the deaf says he is at a loss after somebody broke in and vandalized the ranch — the third break-in over the past couple years.
Some time between Nov. 22-25, there was a break-in at the Pax Natura Ranch for the Deaf near Clyde. The culprits apparently didn’t steal anything, but did thousands of dollars in damage.
“We’ve been robbed three or four times before, but this is adding insult to injury,” pastor Bob Bauer said. “I’m angry and desperate.”
While nothing was stolen this time, Bauer said he’s lost power tools, equestrian equipment and even his collection of firearms over the past several years due to the ongoing break-ins.
RCMP Const. Michael Febbraro said police are aware of the break-in, and are in the process of investigating.
A lot of damage was done to the two buildings on the site — many lights and windows were smashed, and many fixtures like sinks and toilets were also destroyed as the culprits were going through the camp.
“We have no idea who might be responsible at this time,” he said. “I think its more or less just kids finding it, or the people who were there before have come back, noticed no one was there, and just wrecked some stuff.”
Febbraro said police believe a vehicle was involved as well, probably a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck, which broke through the locked gates. Police are reviewing security footage as part of the investigation.
As for the total amount of damage, it’s hard give a precise figure at this point.
“I think it’s going to be under $5,000,” he said, but noted the investigation is ongoing and that figure could change.
For Bauer, it’s not so much the damage itself that concerns him, it’s the insult to the ranch itself and to the surrounding community that has supported the ranch for many years.
“We’ve had a lot of wonderful support from the community,” he said. “We have to let the community know what happened.”
Bauer was instrumental in starting the ranch in 1976, and he’s been working with the deaf since the 1950s. At first the ranch was a place for deaf people who had gotten into trouble with the law to be rehabilitated, but more recently the ranch hosts retreats, as well.
“It’s their own turf, they don’t have to spend a lot of money like they do in Jasper and Banff,” he said. “They’re not going to be gawked at, made fun of or ripped off. It’s their place.”
Bauer said he hopes somebody in the community saw something and might come forward with information to help catch those responsible.
“My theory is that if the community know, somebody’s going to trip up and give the police a tip,” he said. “I know somewhere along the line, justice will be done.”
As for rebuilding, he said he doesn’t know where the money will come from.
“That’s our problem right now, and I’m kind of in shock,” Bauer said. “I have pretty well milked everybody I know.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Westlock RCMP at 780-349-4491, or they can report tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-8477.
If anyone is interested in helping Bauer with the rebuilding efforts, he can be reached at 780-434-4246.
