Football team left without showers after boiler theft

THIEVES have ransacked a football team's clubhouse and left them without showers after making off with their boiler for the second time in two months.

Police are investigating two break-ins at Arniston Rangers FC's home ground in Gorebridge that have landed the club with mounting repair bills of more than 1400.

To add insult to injury, the raiders even scrawled a gloating message on a police poster inside the run-down pavilion saying: "Cheers Lads, Too Late".

Club secretary Alan Walker, 49, who's been involved with "The Gers" for 15 years, said he was "devastated" the cash-strapped club had to fork out again for repairs.

"When we found the place had been done again it was soul destroying," he said.

"There's even a police station about 100 yards away but it's not manned. The first time this happened they didn't get into the pavilion but stole the boiler from an outhouse and caused a fair bit of damage. This time they have cut the lock, kicked in the front door and got into the premises where we kept the key for the boiler area. They used the key to access the boiler and then stole it again. They also nicked hospitality drinks for Saturday's match and a few old trophies. It's devastating.

"Opportunists are clearly taking our boiler for scrap metal, but it's a huge problem for us if our guys can't even get a shower. It's difficult for the club to function."

The club stalwart said the management committee was run by volunteers and he was left questioning whether "it was all worth it".

"Crimes like this are indicative of society and it doesn't matter where you are," said Mr Walker. "There's been a history of vandalism over the last ten years, we used to have a scout hut but that was set on fire. There's not been anyone here in the premises so it's easy pickings for thieves. But we have to keep the chin up and soldier on otherwise the scumbags win."

Players had been making the short trip to Gorebridge Leisure Centre to use their washing facilities until the club replaced the boiler this week.

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating following a break-in and theft from a football ground in Gorebridge. The incident happened between 9.30pm on September 2 and 6.45pm the following day. Anyone with information is asked to come forward and speak to police."

Arniston Rangers FC play at Newbryes Park in the East Region Premier League.

The club hierarchy have said that they are keen to relocate to Goreglen in the wake of the recent break-ins, but the move has been hampered by lack of funds.