Changing rooms targeted by thief
A THIEF tricked their way into changing rooms and targeted Sunday League football team players, stealing money and mobile phones they thought were safely locked away.
It is understood that the suspect used the ruse of needing the toilet to be let into the changing rooms at Paul’s Land.
But while inside, the thief helped himself to a host of valuables and cash that belonged to players of several teams who were playing Nuneaton and District Sunday Football League (NDSFL) games on the nearby pitches.
“Someone asked the caretaker to use the toilet and then he went through people’s pockets, stealing money, one guy lost a wallet with a lot of cards in it,” said a source, who did not want to be named.
A spokesperson for NDSFL said: “I would expect the council to have proper procedures in place regarding access to changing rooms during matches. Either they are kept locked throughout until the games have finished and no-one is allowed in, or, anyone who needs them is accompanied by a nominated representative from each team who is known to the key holder.
“If they haven’t then they have let down at least three teams. When someone hires a facility you expect a reasonable level of security to be provided and in place.”
Phil Richardson, director of governance and recreation at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, which owns and is responsible for the sporting facilities, said: “We are aware that the police are investigating an incident which took place on Sunday at our sports ground on Paul’s Land off Lutterworth Road. This is an active police investigation and as such, we are unable to comment upon it; naturally, we will assist the police in any way possible.”
It is the second time in as many weeks that concerns have been raised about the changing facilities at Paul’s Land.
NDSFL teams complained that, during rescheduled games on Friday, April 20, they were unable to access the facilities including showers, toilets and even water to fill up their bottles because the changing rooms had not been re-opened.
Anyone who has any information about the thefts should call police on 101 or the Crimestoppers hotline, which is free to call from a landline and confidential, on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk. org.