$9,000 in Tools Stolen from Wyandotte Jaycees' Haunted House

While the doors haven't even opened to the public yet, someone managed to break into the Wyandotte Jaycees' haunted house on Tuesday night, getting away with about $9,000 of tools.

The tools belonged to Jaycees' members who donate their time and equipment to turn a city building into a frightful attraction each year.

"This is not stealing from the Jaycees as an organization, this is stealing from all the hardworking men and women that come here and volunteer their time," Jaycees member Nadia Brunt told WJBK-TV.

The thief kicked in the front door of the haunted house to gain entry, as well as smashed the windows of an adjacent storage warehouse. Tools, wiring and other items were reported stolen.

Jaycees volunteer Ryan Cunningham posted a message on Facebook to the thief.

"We have been working diligently for over a month to provide a form of entertainment to the community," he wrote. "You in no way will stop us, but you have made it harder to deliver the service we provide every year. The only hope I have is that karma catches up with you."

Despite the setback, volunteers said they remain dedicated to opening the haunted house, 1096 Biddle, as planned on Oct. 4. Money raised from the event goes back into the Jaycees' many community service projects.

The haunted house, named Nightmare Sanctum, will be open Oct. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 25-30. Hours are from 7 to 10 p.m., except for Fridays and Saturdays, which go through midnight. The cost is $12 per person. Cash and credit are accepted.

The Jaycees partner with the city of Wyandotte on its haunted house. The city provides the Jaycees with a building that's set to be demolished. The Jaycees come in, transform the building into a haunted house during October, and return the building to the city afterward.

This year's haunted house is in the building that formerly housed Fronczak's Garage. In years past, the Jaycees have converted a former biker clubhouse, the former Wyandotte Police Department, the former Wyandotte Theater and several residential homes into a haunted house.

For more information, call 734-288-7024 or check out the Jaycees' website.