Camp Katuu in Airai, where the Civic Action Team (CAT) Palau is based, is temporarily closing after a second theft occurred on the night of December 1.
The Camp, which is usually open for services such as use of the gym, car maintenance, and medical examinations, is off-limits to visitors as law enforcement investigates the crime, and as an inventory is taken to determine how much property was stolen.
CAT representatives have said that, although they cannot disclose what was taken while the investigation is ongoing, the theft occurred sometime between 4:00pm on Tuesday night and 5:00am Wednesday morning.
This is the second theft which has occurred at Camp Katuu in the past couple months. During the hosting of this year’s Haunted House event on October 31, which accommodated over a thousand attendees, the Camp’s stereo system was stolen from the gym, and has not been returned, along with damage done to the TV cables. Although the Camp temporarily closed on November 1 following this first theft, the CAT says it never filed a police complaint, due to it being an isolated incident.
The gym and stereo system were often used to host movie nights for the public.
CAT representatives stress that they cannot say yet how long the Camp will be closed. Currently, all facilities on the site are closed to the public. The CAT says that the Camp doctor will continue to see patients by appointment, and that no one will be permitted on the property unless they are given permission via phone.
The CAT of the US military generally provides engineering support to construction projects in Palau, as well as community outreach support. It is also tasked with training locals in construction and engineering skills.