When Clarkston Masons emerged from a post-meeting dinner at a local restaurant, they had a shock.
Someone broke into one of the Mason’s truck and cleaned it out, stealing about $250 in cash, computer, tools, and paperwork.
The paperwork, from Cedar Lodge 60 in downtown Clarkston, may not be very valuable to a thief but is priceless to the lodge, said Thomas Braun, lodge secretary.
“The lodge would like to plead to whoever did it to return the material,” Braun said. “So many things there are irreplaceable. It’s devastating to the lodge.”
The materials include lodge historical documents, official seal, new dues cards, and minutes from meetings. It was kept in a black case, the size of a small suitcase with rollers. If they are returned, there will be no questions asked. Also, the lodge is offering a small reward, said Douglas Cundiff, worshipful master elect.
“The main thing is to try to get the irreplaceable materials belonging to a 160-year-old community service organization back,” Braun said.
Someone went through a truck while it was parked in the Independence Square shopping plaza between 9:30-11:30 p.m., Nov. 20.
With damage to the weather stripping on the front passenger side window, it appears someone forced their way in.
“I thought I locked it ? I unlocked it when I got there,” Braun said.
Call Braun at 248-238-2828. Oakland County Sheriff’s Office crime tip line is 800-SPEAK-UP, or 800-773-2587.