Child’s Dirt Bike Stolen in Middle-of-the-Night Garage Break-In — Police Ask Residents to Check Cameras
BROOKFIELD, MA — March 29, 2026, at approximately 1:22 a.m.
A quiet Brookfield neighborhood was disrupted early Sunday morning after a group of individuals broke into a residential garage and stole a dirt bike belonging to an eight-year-old child—an incident that is now drawing attention to both public safety concerns and ongoing police staffing challenges.
According to the family, the break-in occurred at a home on Lake Road in the early morning hours. Three unknown individuals entered the garage and removed the child’s dirt bike, which had been purchased just two weeks earlier.
The child was awakened by the sound of the garage door opening and, to the family’s distress, witnessed the theft as it was happening.
“It’s not just the bike,” a family member said. “This has really shaken his sense of safety at home.”
Father Confronts Suspects
The child’s father, Jeff Evans, immediately reacted after realizing what was happening.
“I chased after them down the road—in my underwear,” Evans said, describing the moments after discovering the theft.
Despite his efforts, the individuals were able to leave the area before police arrived. The family also reported that the suspects left the scene in a vehicle. The description of the vehicle is limited at this time, but it is believed to have been a dark-colored vehicle seen leaving the area shortly after the theft.
Response Time and Staffing Concerns
Evans stated that it took over eight minutes for Massachusetts State Police to arrive after the incident was reported. At the time of the break-in, there was no overnight Brookfield police officer on duty, due to ongoing staffing shortages within the department.
This is not a new issue for the town. However, on April 1st, the Brookfield Select Board did vote to appoint a new police officer. While that step may help address long-term coverage gaps, the impact is not immediate.
Police: Investigation Active, Public Assistance Requested
Brookfield Police Chief Michael Blanchard confirmed to the Brookfield Examiner that the incident remains under investigation. The Chief is asking for the public’s assistance and urges anyone with information to come forward.
According to Chief Blanchard, anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or has relevant information should contact either the Brookfield Police Department or the Massachusetts State Police.
Community Asked to Check Surveillance Footage
Residents in the Lake Road area, surrounding streets, and nearby neighborhoods are being asked to review any available surveillance footage.
Specifically, police and the family are asking residents to:
- Check Ring cameras, security systems, and doorbell cameras
- Review footage from approximately 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on March 29
- Look for any unfamiliar vehicles or individuals in the area
Even small details could help investigators piece together what happened.
Family Starts GoFundMe to Replace Stolen Bike
The family has launched a GoFundMe to help replace the stolen dirt bike, which was not insured.
The child’s brother shared the following message:
“Hi there, I wanted to share a story about my little brother who recently had his dirt bike stolen—something he worked so hard for and was so proud of. This has really shaken his sense of safety at home, and we’re hoping to help him feel secure again by replacing his bike.”
More Than a Theft
While the financial loss of the dirt bike is significant, the emotional impact on the family—especially the child—has been profound. This was not a theft from a public place or an unlocked vehicle. It was a break-in at a private home, in the middle of the night, while a child was inside.
For the Evans family, the incident represents more than stolen property—it represents a loss of safety and peace of mind.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the case remains active.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:
- Brookfield Police Department (508) 867-5570
- Massachusetts State Police (508) 867-2912