Clubs fall victim to devastating burglary at stadium

Two non league clubs unfortunately fall victim to a devastating burglary which took place at their stadium over the weekend.

Reading City, who groundshare at fellow Hellenic League side Woodley United, have released a statement as well as a video of the damage caused by the mindless culprits.

A caption to the footage read: “This morning when arriving at @Therivermoor to prepare for our Covid-19 compliant training sessions we were met with a scene of devastation as we were sadly victims of a burglary overnight.

? | This morning when arriving at @Therivermoor to prepare for our Covid-19 compliant training sessions we were met with a scene of devastation as we were sadly victims of a burglary overnight.

Full Statement:https://t.co/HIJbi8EQE9#rdguk @fiberkshire @BerksBucksFA pic.twitter.com/zBaLVPVh5E

— Reading City FC (@ReadingCityFC) July 4, 2020

A statement read: “Reading City Football Club is saddened to announce that our clubhouse at the Rivermoor was targeted by burglars overnight.

“Everyone at Reading City Football Club is upset by the news that our clubhouse was targeted by burglars last night, arriving at the ground this morning to set up for our Covid-19 compliant training sessions we found doors had been forced open and a window smashed along with the place ransacked as they looked for things to steal from us.

“Whilst a few items were taken from the clubhouse, no cash was stolen as the club has a strict policy that no cash is ever held on-site overnight and their attempts to steal the safe were in vain.

“Sadly these mindless vandals have now left us with a repair bill, to which we estimate to be £750 as they forced their way through locked doors damaging them in the process, they also smashed a window in the process of this burglary, forced open our till and a sheet of Perspex put up over the bar to be compliant with covid-19 guidance when we re-open was also cracked.”

“This has been reported to @TVP_Reading. If anyone knows anything please phone 101 and quote Crime Reference: 43200201379

Woodley United also tweeted: “What is the matter with people who want to destroy so much hard work people give to the community?”

It comes a month after a Step 4 side Brighouse Town saw their stadium left damaged by drunken vandals during lockdown of the coronavirus pandemic.

The frustrated Northern Premier League Division One North West outfit released photos of damaged fence panels, a broken lock on a gate, and damage to goal posts.

The non league club’s volunteers have noticed an increase in the number of instances in people trespassing on their private land, climbing a high fence to gain access and even playing football where they aren’t allowed.

Groundsman Darren Laycock said there were groups of children and young adults drinking alcohol in the dugouts and causing damage.

The issue has been reported to the police after more than 50 bottles were found in the grounds.

In April, they launched a donation page to try and raise £10,000 to help them cope with no football due to the coronavirus pandemic. So far they have raised around £4,743.

Fans, players and other teams reacted after hearing that the two clubs fall victim to a devastating burglary at their stadium…

If you guys need any help with anything on behalf of @WoodleyUtdFC I’m quite happy to help and I’m sure they’ll be plenty of others with similar thoughts.

— Luke Tomlin (@Readingboy1871) July 4, 2020

Terrible sight, if there’s anything at all we can do to help then contact us. ?

— Felixstowe & Walton Utd FC (@Felixseasiders) July 4, 2020

So sorry to see this, despicable

— Bob Bacon (@rjbacon) July 4, 2020

FFs hope they get caught and given what due to them

— Alan Lovegrove (@alanlovegrove76) July 4, 2020

Sorry to read guys. Hope the damage/loss isn’t too bad and those responsible are caught. Too many wrong’uns about

— Lydney Town AFC (@LydneyTownAFC) July 4, 2020

Sorry to read this awful news ?words are not enough when so much hard work is being done during this difficult time.
Stay ? guys, we feel your pain, from all at the Fields.

— Westfields FC (@Westfieldsfc1) July 4, 2020

We are so sorry. ????
People have breaked in to our ground to play full contact 11 aside football.???

— Hillingdon Borough FC (@hbfc_1872) July 5, 2020

As if grassroots football isn’t having a hard enough time at the moment as it is! So sorry to see this and hope there’s not been any long lasting damage to your wonderful clubhouse!

— Phoenix Old Boys FC (@phoenixobfc) July 4, 2020

Sorry to hear this after such good work in the community for our young people. Come back stronger!

— Reading Rockets Basketball Club (@rocketsreading) July 4, 2020

I hope they catch whoever did it ?

— Lisa Bowker (@liseelou_16) July 4, 2020