Hamilton Advertiser

Accies boss in blast at ‘low-life’ thieves

Crooks stole kids’christmas sweets and toys

- Shirley Bartynek

Bosses at Hamilton Accies blasted the “low-lifes” who have been caught on camera stealing from the club.

They released CCTV images this week of thieves breaking into the grounds.

The club’s chief executive Colin Mcgowan says the break-ins have been taking place for weeks and have cost them “thousands”.

After the latest incident on Monday, Accies decided to take action and released the images in a bid to catch those responsibl­e.

The thieves made off with children’s toys, sweets and drinks. All of the toys were recently collected and stored at the club, to be distribute­d to foodbanks at Christmas as part of a community drive to support families at what can be a difficult time of the year.

Mr Mcgowan said: “We are disappoint­ed to report that there have been multiple break-ins at Hamilton Accies over the last few weeks.

“Thieves have stolen children’s toys, sweets, drinks and anything else they have been able to get their hands on. This has caused significan­t damage to the infrastruc­ture of some of our buildings; doors, windows and locks have all needed to be replaced at cost to the club.

“We are taking the step to share footage of these low-life perpetrato­rs in the hope that they can be identified.

“Hamilton Accies have been forced to spend staff hours and money on a new camera system and 24-hour security – time and money that we’d much rather invest to further strengthen our community department and our football department.

“The low-lifes shown in the footage are not only causing harm to the football club but to the community which it serves – one which they may actually be a part of too.

“As you can see from the footage, the culprits are young, fit, male adults. We hope they can be identified from the pictures and video footage.”

Officials say the cash from the sale of the crisps and sweets goes back into the club’s academy.

This is the latest blow to hit the Scottish club after they were stung last year in an elaborate phishing’ scam.

The club were swindled out of almost £1 million last October when fraudsters fleece their account over a 24-hour period.

 ??  ?? Caught on film CCTV images were released by Hamilton Accies
Caught on film CCTV images were released by Hamilton Accies
 ??  ?? Angry Chief executive of Hamilton Accies, Colin Mcgowan
Angry Chief executive of Hamilton Accies, Colin Mcgowan
 ??  ?? Do you know him? One of the robbers who was caught on CCTV
Do you know him? One of the robbers who was caught on CCTV
 ??  ?? Raidsneaki­ng in under cover of darkness
Raidsneaki­ng in under cover of darkness
 ??  ?? Culprits Breaking into the stadium grounds
Culprits Breaking into the stadium grounds

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