Burglary mars Peanut Valley Festival

Freedom New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University Campus Police are investigating a break-in that occurred Saturday night or Sunday morning at the Campus Union Building during the annual Peanut Valley Festival, according to a ENMU Communication Services press release.

Various items from booth vendors as well an undetermined amount of cash from vendors’ booths and offices throughout the building were taken, according to police reports. In addition, artifacts from the Native American Affairs office were also taken, including a silver and turquoise crown valued at more than $2,500.

Sharon King, executive director of the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce, which helped organize the festival, said vendors she talked to Sunday were upset about the incident and concerned about a vendor who had lost a considerable amount of jewelry.

“There are so many out-of-town vendors there that it reflects badly on the city and you hate to see that,” King said. “I’m sure they understand it was a one-time thing though.”

King said she hoped some thought would go into upgrading the security next year for the event. She said those decisions would be made by the university.

The thieves entered the building by breaking the glass in the south door of the basement, near the Ground Zero entrance, according to police reports. Once inside, the suspects broke approximately six interior windows to gain access to offices.

Police reports indicate that approximately six cash drawers throughout the building were broken into, including in the cafeteria and housing office as well as vendor booths.

Among the items missing from vendor booths were jewelry, pen sets, purses, quilts and cash from cash boxes. The report indicates at least six vendors reported items missing.

Police have not identified any suspects in the break-in and no arrests have been made, according to the press release.