San Antonio police responded to the VFW post off 10th Street around 3 a.m. after an alarm was triggered.
SAN ANTONIO — Thieves broke into VFW Post 76 north of downtown early Monday morning, stealing thousands of dollars meant to support veterans and damaging the building in the process, according to the post’s commander.
San Antonio police responded to the VFW post off 10th Street around 3 a.m. after an alarm was triggered. Surveillance video shows two masked men prying their way into a room containing VSweeps gaming machines.
Within seconds of getting inside, the suspects forced open one of the machines and took the cash inside, said Commander Monica Morris. She estimates the men stole a few thousand dollars before fleeing.
“It was quite devastating to hear first thing this morning,” Morris said. “Just disrespect — disrespect for others.”
Morris said the stolen money helps fund the veteran service dog programs. Some of the funds are also used to cover the post’s operating costs.
“These dogs are raised from pups and paired with a veteran to meet their specific needs,” Morris said.
In addition to the stolen cash, the suspects caused damage to a door during the break-in. Morris said the post does not have money set aside for major repairs and is now working to figure out how to cover the costs and improve security.
“We don’t have money set aside for a big repair job,” she said. “Normally our funding is planned months ahead of time.”
Morris said this is not the first time the post has been targeted, and she worries it may not be the last. However, she said the surrounding community has stepped up to help in the past.
She also had a message for the suspects.
“Shame on you, shame on you for stealing from veterans and veterans who need service animals to help them continue with their lives,” Morris said.
Police are asking anyone who recognizes the suspects in the surveillance video to contact SAPD. Those interested in helping VFW Post 76 can visit the post to make a donation.