Newmains rocked by shock break in
A break-in at Newmains United has been branded“disgusting” and “dreadful” as the juniors were targeted during the shutdown.
The club revealed that an angle grinder was used to open the gates to Victoria Park over the weekend with the country on lockdown.
Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and urged the public to come forward with information.
A United spokesman slammed the incident while the country is facing the threat of coronavirus.
“This would have been a disgusting and sad act at the best of times,” a club statement read.
“Right now the world is facing a pandemic and people are losing their lives.
“NHS staff are putting themselves at risk in trying to help people and police are being called on to ensure social contact is minimised.
“Despite all that going on you have people like this who seem determined to undo the good work.
“In recent months we have been trying to develop this football club, not just for footballing reasons but also to help the community.
“So when people do something like this they are also doing in the people of Newmains and the locality.
“We have called in the police and will continue to monitor the situation.”
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Leisure, who run the facility, said: “A piece of industrial cutting equipment was used in an attempt to break into a container unit at Victoria Park, Newmains.
“A padlock and gate were damaged but they failed to gain access to the container. We have made the necessary arrangements to secure the area.
“It is dreadful to think that at this time, with the coronavirus emergency, anyone would attempt to break-in and vandalise a sports facility and potentially put additional pressure on emergency responders. Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland.”
A police spokesman said: “Police were called around 2.25pm on Monday, March 30 2020, following the report of a break in to a football club’s premises on Overtown Road, Wishaw.
“Enquiries are ongoing to trace those involved and anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 1819 of Monday, March 30, 2020”