Teens suspected in golf-cart jaunts

March 13--ROCKPORT -- Breaking into the Rockport Golf Club garage, removing several golf carts from their shed and driving them around -- or spinning them in the snow -- has landed some local teenagers in hot water.

Three 17-year-old male suspects could be facing multiple charges if investigations conclude they're the ones who have been removing the golf carts and driving them both on and off the course over the last several nights, police said Wednesday.

Police Chief John "Tom" McCarthy said charges could include larceny, breaking and entering, and malicious destruction to private property.

The trio are the primary suspects because they were seen in the vicinity of where the golf carts were found late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, McCarthy said. None of the three would be named because all are juveniles under new state provisions that took effect last August.

Since Monday morning, a representative from the golf club, located on Country Club Road, has notified police each day that some of the club's golf carts had been taken for a drive.

On Monday at 7:43 a.m., police were told that the carts were missing from their shed but found on the golf course with minor damage. McCarthy said that it appeared the drivers had been spinning them in the snow.

Tuesday's report was similar -- though, this time, a couple of carts were found in Beach Grove Cemetery near Kelly's Pond and had again been damaged. On Wednesday, missing carts were again reported; this time, two were found near the fourth hole.

"One of them, the whole front end, the steering was wiped out," McCarthy said, adding that the wheels were pointing in different directions. The other had a flat tire, and he wasn't sure if the undercarriage was in working order.

McCarthy said he's not sure of damage to other carts.

McCarthy said it appears that whoever is taking out the carts was able to force open the shed's garage door. He added that the club plans to put on a new door.

The investigation is continuing, McCarthy said, and police were working on it on Wednesday. He added that officers will see if the golf club has any surveillance-camera footage. Club officials could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

"If they're the right ones," McCarthy said of the teen suspects, "we'll pursue it."

While the golf club will be speaking with its insurance company, representatives also want to try to recover some restitution for the damage, McCarthy said.

McCarthy said the carts were brand new.

Arianna MacNeill can be reached at 978-675-2710 or at amacneill@gloucestertimes.com.

Follow her on Twitter at @AriannaMacNeill.

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