Thieves target Concord LGBTQ center

CONCORD (KTVU) -- Police in Concord are investigating a series of burglaries at a LGBTQ center in the city and a possible hate crime.

Thieves have targeted the Rainbow Community Center, located in the 2100 block of Willow Pass Road, at least four times since last month, taking pricey electronics, office items and even employee's Social Security Numbers.

The break-ins and thefts have left administrators shaken because the center has served the community's lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community for a decade. The most recent incident occurred last week, officials said. 

"This is the door they were breaking in," said Operations Manager Robyn Kuslits. "After the first couple of break-ins we replaced the lock cylinders (but) they tried to get in again with a screwdriver."

Police said the robbers came in each time through the same glass door, which has been replaced numerous times. The center's laptops, a projector, office equipment, desktop computers and a file with the center's donor's information have been taken.

"We know from our donors that they credit cards were used to purchase hotel rooms, pizza, gift cards at auto parts stores," said Ben Barr, the center's executive director.

Officials said the most recent crime occurred on Oct. 5, 2016. Police said the thieves also left behind disturbing graffiti with hate speech directed towards the LGBTQ community. That led officers to investigate that incident as a hate crime.

"This hurts," Barr said. "I think some of it is intended to try and intimidate us."

The crimes are usually happening between 2 a.m.-4 a.m., police say. 

Workers said they don't know who would target the center but add that they believe the person is familiar with the inside of the office.

Police said they are reviewing surveillance video from the area and have also added extra patrols of the area. Investigators have suggested that the center step up its security, which the agency has done by adding a metal security fence and reinforcing the doors. Officials said the agency would rather spend the funds on meeting community needs.

"That money goes a long way towards food for seniors in the food pantry or for the youth program,"Kuslits said. "Everything costs money and that's a lot of money we could have used towards other services."

Employees at the community center say the thefts will not stop them from serving this community. 

"There safe space is still safe," Mayela Zuniga said. "Just because it was compromised we're not going away. We're not scared." 

By KTVU reporter Paul Chambers.