Rochester Crusaders Fall Victim To Vandalism

The Rochester Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps equipment truck and trailer have been broken into and damaged. The Crusaders estimates total losses of over $40,000.00.

A phone call was received yesterday by Michael Linton, Corps Director when two people who work in the area of West Avenue, near the a location of the old City Water Works noticed that the doors were open on the trailer of the Rochester Crusaders Equipment truck.

Linton, who resides in Buffalo , contacted Board Member, Gary Goldstein who responded with other Crusaders Staff to the scene and notified the Rochester Police Department immediately of the incident.

One staff and marching member Stacey Squire comments, "As the police were taking the report we were able to spot some of our equipment inside a coal car on the nearby train tracks. Three Tubas were destroyed (one in about 8 pieces, one flattened and one heavily damaged). One trumpet that was flattened and a snare drum sits in water. Also missing is a baritone. In addition to the instrumental equipment, the truck’s back window was smashed, tools were destroyed and the truck battery was ripped off the cables."

A full inventory is being taken to determine what is missing or exactly how much additional damaged may have occurred inside the truck and/or equipment trailer. The truck and trailer have been moved to an undisclosed location pending a full police and insurance investigation.

"Although an incident like this could put many Corps out of business, the Rochester Crusaders will deal with this incident expeditiously. The membership will overcome any obstacles that might arrive out of this situation, and we will move onto the competitive field this summer fielding one of the best shows in recent years." – Linton states.

Rochester area news reports on the vandalism:
WHEC-TV, Rochester
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
WHAM-TV, Rochester