Staff at the Boys and Girls Club of Yukon (BGCY) had an unpleasant surprise when they showed up for work on Thursday morning—the window had been broken and the building had been ransacked and trashed.

Duncan Johnstone, the club’s executive director, told the Star this morning the break-in could have happened any time between 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and 9:30 a.m. Thursday, when the first staff member arrived at the building.

The staff are still compiling a list of stolen items, but thus far have identified a host of video game consoles and electronics.

Johnstone said the cost in damages and stolen items is estimated at somewhere between $3,000 to $5,000.

A press release about the incident put emphasis on the sentimental cost of these items, as items the youth at the club use everyday.

“While many of these things can be replaced, there were unique items or items with memories attached that cannot be re-purchased.”

Along with stealing, there were items that were damaged in the process.

“There are some gaming keyboards and mice that we had gotten from a grant that are beyond repair,” Johnstone said.

If the robbery wasn’t enough, the drop-in centre suffered wreckage that took staff hours to clean.

Eggs were smashed all over the clubhouse, topped with food and spices from the building that were thrown around.

The walls and floors were covered in dried egg and cayenne pepper.

It’s the only break-in Johnstone has experienced during his five years with the company.

Luckily, the response from the community has been uplifting.

When the BGCY page on Facebook published a post on Thursday about the incident, there was an outpouring of support from the community, including generous offers to donate gaming consoles to the group.

There have been replacements for all the missing video game systems as well as a collection of games contributed by community members.

“We want to extend our deepest thanks to the community. We are thankful and proud of this wonderful community,” Johnstone said.

While the building on Sixth Avenue does not have a security camera, Johnstone said staff are working with neighbouring businesses that might have caught some footage of the intruders.

“Investigators are trying to determine who the culprits are,” said RCMP Cpl. Shaun Pike. He could not publicly provide any further details about the investigation.

As for now, the BCGY office is open.

Once the broken window is replaced and the clubhouse is deemed safe, it will be reopened.

In the press release, BCGY pleads to have the stolen items returned.

“We are an organization that has made Yukon youth its priority, and by stealing from us, you are stealing from Yukon youth.

“Please show us that you also believe that Yukon youth are important and return what you stole.”

Anyone with information can contact Johnstone at 393-2824 or the RCMP at 667-5555.