A spate of break-ins has left Whittlesea Cricket Club thousands of dollars out of pocket, and devastated members of the small club.
Their building was broken into five times over a four-week period, causing extensive damage to the clubrooms.
The most recent incident was on January 14 when the offenders punched holes in soft drink cans and sprayed them around the rooms.
President Blair Meaney said the roller doors to the clubrooms were kicked in and the fire extinguishers removed from the walls, and also sprayed around the clubrooms.
Cans of spray paint used for line-marking were stolen, with the offenders using them to tag the clubhouse and nearby roads.
“They made a really good mess. It’s disappointing,” Mr Meaney said.
“They stole all the alcohol out of the fridge the last couple of times.”
Mr Meaney said the damage bill was estimated to be about $3000, plus money the club and Whittlesea council had outlaid trying to improve security at the clubrooms.
He said the committee recently purchased security cameras in a bid to halt the crime spree, but they feared it would not deter the offenders.
The committee and players were devastated that their clubhouse was continually being targeted, he said.
“It’s taking its toll on the committee and players,” Mr Meaney said.
“We struggle for numbers as it is. The players are disappointed with the situation.
“We can’t use the clubrooms. The canteen is down. We can’t run the club like this.
“All our stuff is locked in other rooms … we have nothing cold in the fridges. It is getting to the point of ridiculousness.”
The cricket club was not the only club targeted on January 14 – Whittlesea Tennis Club also broken into.
A post on the club’s Facebook page said members spent the next day cleaning up broken glass and cordial that had been sprayed everywhere.
The break-ins are being investigated by police from the Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
