Community football club volunteers left devastated after second burglary in nine weeks

A grassroots football club run by volunteers has been left picking up the pieces after the second break-in in just over two months.

The clubhouse at Guisborough Town Football Club was targeted on Tuesday evening, with burglars snatching TVs and alcohol and causing extensive damage. Volunteers have since worked tirelessly to repair the damage at the club's function room, in time for a wedding this weekend.

It comes after the volunteers carried out another clean-up following a break-in at the site on Howlbeck Road on September 15. This saw a charity collection box for the Great North Air Ambulance taken and an empty till ripped from the bar.

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The latest incident occurred at about 7.15pm and police are investigating. CEO at the club, Andrew Bell, said: "It's all volunteer-ran so the disruption is massive.

"Yesterday we had six or seven people down all day working tirelessly to try to repair the damage. Luckily we've made it safe and it won't affect the wedding.

"They pinched a set of keys as well so it means we've had to have all the locks changed so again there's the disruption with that. And then pulling the TVs off the walls causes damage."

Andrew said the club serves as a vital hub, hosting private junctions such as weddings and events for members and its 400-plus juniors in the football section. "The recent vandalism has not only caused significant damage to property but also severe disruption to our community," he said.

"Every week, hundreds of voluntary hours are devoted to keeping the club running for the benefit of our town. It is devastating for our volunteers to witness their hard work undermined in this way."

Andrew said they have CCTV which picked up the faces of two of the culprits and their clothing. "We have really good CCTV and the police said we have really good images of the faces," he said.

"But it's just the next step of police being able to do something and then them getting prosecuted which is the frustrating thing. There were three burglars, wearing their hoods up, but it didn't cover their faces very well."

The break-in led to a call to Government on Wednesday from the area's MP for more community policing on the streets. Describing the incident as "shocking", Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said on Wednesday: "I know people in Guisborough will be as angry as I am that significant damage was caused, and items including TVs and spirits were stolen from our beloved club.

"This is devastating for a club built on the hard work of volunteers who unite our community. I've spoken with East Cleveland Police Inspector Neil Deluce today about the investigation.

"Police are actively pursuing multiple lines of enquiry. I have also raised this issue in Parliament today with Policing Minister, Diana Johnson. I am continuing to push for the funding we need for frontline neighborhood policing in our communities."

As reported, the town has been reportedly been plagued by spate of crime and anti-social behaviour, leading to calls for more deterrents, including private security patrols. Other recent reported incidents included a break-in at Guisborough Pharmacy and Health Clinic, on Rectory Lane.

Regarding the break-in at the football club, a spokesperson for Cleveland Police confirmed they were investigating. She said: "At 7.15pm on Tuesday, November 19, police were called to reports of a burglary at Guisborough Football Club on Howlbeck Road in Guisborough.

"Offenders are suspected of breaking into the premises by a side door and stole two televisions and smashed bottles of alcohol." Anyone who has information or footage that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 221297 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Andrew thanked the force for the "swift response" to both recent break-ins and the support from their MP. However, he also noted the "current wave of anti-social behaviour and break-ins" is taking its toll on businesses, community organisations and individuals.

"While we understand the strain on response policing, we believe more proactive measures are urgently needed to protect our community and prevent crime," he said. "This requires a collaborative effort involving MPs, councillors, police, businesses and the public to bring about meaningful change.

"Finally, I would like to sincerely thank all the volunteers and members of the public who have stepped forward to help repair the damage caused during the latest break-in. Their support is a testament to the resilience and community spirit of Guisborough."

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