Clubs hit in series of break-ins
SPORTS clubs have had valuable equipment stolen from them following a series of break-ins.
Ynysmeudwy AFC and Crynant RFC were both targeted within 48 hours of each other, with maintenance tools snatched after containers where they were stored were broken in to.
The burglaries mean both clubs now face having to raise funds in order to replace the stolen items.
Crynant Rugby Club was the first to fall victim, following the break-in overnight on Wednesday evening, November 7.
Crynant councillor Sian Harris, a member of Crynant RFC, said: “It is very frustrating.
“We fundraise to be able to afford this equipment, and now we’re going to have to start all over again.
“They broke the lock on our container and made off with a tractor grass cutter, some tools and other pieces of equipment”.
The following night Ynysmeudwy Football Club were the victims.
Once again, maintenance equipment which was stored in a metal container was taken, after the locks had been broken.
Club chairman Huw Davies said: “This is the second time we’ve been broken into in the past few years.
“We had a couple of push mowers and two strimmers taken.
“We also had a Honda mower which cost around £1,000.
“We work hard to get money to buy something and then it is taken.
“Everything is covered up, and it’s quite awkward to get to, but they still cut the container’s lock, which was left lying on the floor.”
Players at the club are now planning a sponsored 34-mile bike ride to Mumbles Pier and back to raise funds for new mowers.
A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “We received reports of the break-in and theft from container sheds at Ynysmeudwy AFC, Godre’r Graig.
“The incident is thought to have taken place between the evening of Wednesday, November 7, and the morning of Friday, November 9.
“This is currently being investigated.
“If anyone witnessed anything or has further information, contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 1800 426389.”