SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The organization dedicated to demolishing and redeveloping Springfield's former Pillsbury Mills site says that there has been an increase in metal theft at the site.
Moving Pillsbury Forward has made multiple police reports of theft and trespass over recent weeks.
Progress at the site has been slowed by members taking time to repair holes in the fencing, lock down entry areas, and take on-site safety measures.
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In the past week, trespassers placed a board out of a second floor window in order to access copper flashing from the front of one of the warehouses.
Chris Richmond, the president of Moving Pillsbury Forward, explained why these activities hamper the work of the organization.
"You will put yourself at risk by coming here after hours uninvited, and you are going to put the project at risk," said Richmond. "These kinds of activities slow down our progress. Our volunteers cannot work nearly as quickly."
Moving Pillsbury Forward has partnered with the Pillsbury Neighborhood Association, SIU-Med School Students, and the City of Springfield to initiate a Spring cleanup in the Pillsbury Neighborhood on Friday, May 3 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
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