Home
An amateur football club had their 'Christmas ruined' after they were targeted by heartless criminals.
Thousands of pounds worth of items were stolen and damaged in a raid on Chew Moor Brook Football Club in Lostock on December 22.
Members of the volunteer-run club described the attack as "soul destroying" and say its has left them without vital equipment used and needed by all.
Rob Pennington, manager of the men's first team, said: "We are a volunteer run club and the fact that anyone would break in is just horrible.
"This club brings 200 people joy and I don't know what they think they would achieve by burgling us.
"We are a charity. It's absolutely appalling."
The burglary was discovered after the club's reserve team manager visited the clubhouse to drop off some kit.
After finding the door to the building open, the reserve team manager contacted Mr Pennington who realised something was seriously wrong.
On further investigation the full devastation of the thefts and vandalism were found.
The intruders had smashed their way into the clubhouse through a window before disabling the alarm system.
They also damaged the gates to get their vehicle in and had attempted to open the door shutters to give them better access, but could not break through.
Thankfully, they were also unable to get into the club's changing rooms and ancillary buildings and were restricted to the clubhouse and kitchens.
However, after riffling through every nook and cranny the thieves made off with "anything of value", including money and alcohol from a charity fundraiser, a speaker system, football kit and equipment, and even drinks bottles.
Mr Pennington said: "The incident has been reported to the police and we are appealing for anyone who knows anything to come forward because we would like to catch the perpetrators.
"But the main thing for us now is making sure the kids and adults can keep on playing football."
Following the attack the community has rallied round CMB FC with donations and shows of charitable support, including one company who gave the club £500 despite having no previous affiliation.
Mr Pennington added: "This attack has ruined our Christmas. But thankfully the generosity of people and local businesses has restored my faith."
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.
The club estimates that several thousands of pounds worth of equipment has been or broken.
Source
Thousands of pounds worth of items were stolen and damaged in a raid on Chew Moor Brook Football Club in Lostock on December 22.
Members of the volunteer-run club described the attack as "soul destroying" and say its has left them without vital equipment used and needed by all.
Rob Pennington, manager of the men's first team, said: "We are a volunteer run club and the fact that anyone would break in is just horrible.
"This club brings 200 people joy and I don't know what they think they would achieve by burgling us.
"We are a charity. It's absolutely appalling."
The burglary was discovered after the club's reserve team manager visited the clubhouse to drop off some kit.
After finding the door to the building open, the reserve team manager contacted Mr Pennington who realised something was seriously wrong.
On further investigation the full devastation of the thefts and vandalism were found.
The intruders had smashed their way into the clubhouse through a window before disabling the alarm system.
They also damaged the gates to get their vehicle in and had attempted to open the door shutters to give them better access, but could not break through.
Thankfully, they were also unable to get into the club's changing rooms and ancillary buildings and were restricted to the clubhouse and kitchens.
However, after riffling through every nook and cranny the thieves made off with "anything of value", including money and alcohol from a charity fundraiser, a speaker system, football kit and equipment, and even drinks bottles.
Mr Pennington said: "The incident has been reported to the police and we are appealing for anyone who knows anything to come forward because we would like to catch the perpetrators.
"But the main thing for us now is making sure the kids and adults can keep on playing football."
Following the attack the community has rallied round CMB FC with donations and shows of charitable support, including one company who gave the club £500 despite having no previous affiliation.
Mr Pennington added: "This attack has ruined our Christmas. But thankfully the generosity of people and local businesses has restored my faith."
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.
The club estimates that several thousands of pounds worth of equipment has been or broken.
Source
