Police are investigating an apparent burglary at American Legion Post 33, in which thousands of dollars, intended for charitable purposes, was taken.

Sgt. William Goulet, Meredith Police, said the break-in appears to have occurred sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Sunday night, when the post was closed for the night, and 9:43 a.m. on Monday, when someone walking by saw damage to the exterior of the building and reported the theft.

Brenda Wyatt, bar manager at the Legion Post, said the thief or thieves came in through a window, and must have used bolt cutters or a similar tool to cut wires put up to prevent entry, then used the same tool to cut a lock off a cooler being used to secure the cash boxes for each of the three bartenders.

In total, Wyatt estimated that $4,500 was taken. That count included the money in each cash box to start the next day’s service, as well as proceeds from regular fundraising efforts, which are used for purposes such as underwriting a fishing derby for paralyzed veterans and buying Christmas gifts for local children.

Wyatt said there wasn’t much property damage, as the window used to access the building was previously broken in another burglary attempt.

“This happened a few years ago. They came in through the same window, but didn’t get anything,” Wyatt said.

The loss stings, she said.

“Since COVID, we’re just barely getting back on our feet,” Wyatt said. “There’s not a good time for this to happen, but this is definitely not a good time.”

She said the Legion is attempting to replace the lost money through continued fundraising activities, such as a meat raffle planned for this weekend.

“What are we going to do? We still carry on,” Wyatt said. She encouraged anyone interested in helping to attend the raffle, which starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday. “They can just show up, everyone’s invited.”

Meredith police are asking for the public's help in identifying the perpetrators.

“We urge anybody with information to contact us,” Goulet said. The incident is being investigated by Det. Brian Murray, who can be reached by calling 603-279-4561.