Doors smashed and charity boxes stolen as thieves target Ludlow sports clubs
Thieves broke in to two sports clubs in south Shropshire, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage and stealing a number of charity collection boxes.
Ludlow Football Stadium and the town's cricket club were both targeted, while another business in Ludlow was also burgled. Police are now investigating to see whether the three incidents are linked.
Glass doors at the stadium were smashed, security rollers on the bars broken, fridges containing cider were raided and a number of bottles of spirits taken. The charity boxes were full of donated cash.
The football stadium is home to Shawbury United FC.
Madeleine Leech, leaseholder of the function rooms at the club said: "They smashed up nine fire doors using a fire extinguisher and a crowbar, they just went from one end of the building to the other. The damage is unbelievable.
"The door to the cellar is also broken.
"But all they took was a cash box which had about £50 in it. They left all the drink, a laptop and a Play Station.
"They have caused so much damage it is going to take us days to repair it.
"We have had a carpenter here replacing the doors but it is going to go in to next week. We have a wedding next Saturday so it all needs to be fixed by then."
Dave Cooper, bar manager at the cricket club said that the club's doors had been smashed in, alcohol stolen and charity collection boxes for the Midlands Air Ambulance, which contained hundreds of pounds donated by supporters of the club, taken.
He added: "We had some electrical items including a 50" TV and a monitor and these weren't touched. It is disgusting that they took the collection tins. They were for charity and it's despicable that they were stolen."
Eleanor Harris, corporate communications officer for West Mercia Police said: "Police are carrying out enquiries after a number of burglaries in Ludlow overnight on Tuesday (24) into Wednesday (25).
"Between 5.30pm and 8am Ludlow Football Club was broken into, police were also informed there had been a burglary at Ludlow Cricket Club and Bake 'n' Butty in Orleton Road on Ludlow Business Park.
"It is not known whether the burglaries are linked. Enquiries are on-going."
Anyone with information should contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference 128s 250718 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Air Ambulance collection boxes had the serial number RO19592 and RO19593.
