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THIEVES BRANDED ‘Mindless idiots’
THIEVES who stole vital training equipment from three of Horncastle’s leading sports clubs have been branded as “mindless idiots”.
Officials at the town’s rugby union, tennis and cricket clubs are counting the cost after thieves smashed a door at a storeroom at the Coronation Walk-based complex last Thursday night.
The rugby club was particularly badly hit as three match-balls were stolen, just hours before their first game of the season.
Chairman Barry Jenkinson told the News: “I just can’t understand why the people have done this. In my view, they are mindless idiots.
“You are talking about three sporting clubs who are doing their best for the young people in this town.
“None of the clubs are exactly awash with cash and then something like this happens. It feels like we have been kicked in the teeth and, it makes you wonder why you bother.”
In all, the rugby club had more than a dozen balls stolen with the value running into hundreds of pounds.
Mr Jenkinson added: “I don’t know where the money will come from to replace the balls. We don’t have funds available so it will probably come out of my own pocket.
“There is a limit to what you can do. Personally, I’d like to get the people responsible for this and stick them in a training session against our front row.
“That might make them think twice about doing something like this again.”
The tennis club also had equipment stolen, including special balls which they use in coaching sessions with youngsters.
Karl Sutton, one of the coaches at the club, said: “It’s really upsetting - and frustrating. We’re working hard with local kids and this type of thing makes it more difficult.
“The club is insured and we can replace the balls but that takes time - and money.
“I can’t see why anyone would want to take the stuff because it’s not really of any value to sell on. In fact, whoever is responsible hasn’t touched some of the more expensive equipment that was in the storeroom.”
The News understands some stolen goods were thrown into the nearby river Bain.
Mr Sutton confirmed the sports clubs had considered stepping up security, including installing CCTV, but said the costs were too expensive.
Horncastle police said they were investigating the thefts and promised to step up patrols.
They are connecting the thefts with other incidents, including a bin which was set on fire at the back of the swimming pool on the same evening - and vandalism and damage to equipment at Banovallum School.
Anyone with infomation is asked to contact PCSO Nigel Wass on 079393312724 or call at the police station.
PCSO Wass said: “It has been a relatively quiet time during the holidays and this is the one of the first incidents of anti-social behaviour. We do patrol the sports complex on a regular basis but we will be increasing them.”
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Weather for Horncastle
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
