Archery club targeted as bows, arrows stolen
Thieves have targeted the Geraldine Archery Club, taking $7000 of equipment and leaving members unsure about the club’s future.
Club president Stewart Stott was bitterly disappointed to discover the clubroom, within the grounds of the Orari Racecourse, was burgled overnight on Sunday.
Bows, arrows and a trailer were stolen as those responsible for the theft broke a padlocked gate to enter the racecourse grounds.
A window was smashed, a combination lock broken, and a double bolted door damaged after its hinges were removed, as the thieves made their way into the weatherboard structure.
Stott said the club will struggle now as it has no insurance and only 14 members.
The club hosts school groups who also support it through financial contributions, but without its equipment, that could not continue, Stott said.
‘‘Whoever did this is depriving young people the opportunity to learn archery,’’ he said.
A locked cupboard inside the clubroom had been broken into and five bows stolen, while another two bows were stolen from inside the clubroom and 300 arrows taken.
Backstop netting measuring 5 metres by 3 metres and an unregistered trailer were also stolen.
‘‘We are not insured as it is so expensive to insure sport clubs,’’ Stott, a retiree and archer with 40 years experience, said.
‘‘We are basing the $7000 figure on replacement costs.’’
Stott said the club would explore funding options.
‘‘We are hoping we will get a grant to cover it.’’
However, Stott said he was still upset about the incident.
‘‘We have put so much work into this club over the years, this should never have happened.
‘‘I blame myself as I shouldn’t have left any gear in the clubroom.’’
Stott is convinced someone had been casing the facility prior to the break-in.
‘‘They were here on a mission, they came here for a reason.
‘‘We won’t be able to run any coaching classes if we have no bows and arrows
Stewart said the club is scheduled to have its next meeting on January 13.
Senior Constable Tim Easton, of Timaru confirmed the burglary had been reported and police are investigating.