General News
22 February, 2024
Club “hurt” by theft
WOORNDOO Cricket Club has been left reeling after a break-in saw goods stolen and the club facilities damaged.
Warrnambool Police First Constable Rachel Giffening said police believe entry was forced with a jimmy bar, with the theft occurring between Thursday, February 15 and Saturday, February 17.
“Up to $1000 cash, spirits and food items were stolen,” she said.
“At this point we’re making inquiries with potential CCTV footage but no witnesses have come forward at this stage.”
Woorndoo Cricket Club president Shane Jubb said it was disappointing for a small-town club to be targeted.
“The worst part is little clubs work like buggery to move forward,” he said.
“It’s not a lot of money which was taken, but for us it is.
“That’s what hurts.
“It is one of those setbacks we don’t really need.”
Among the items stolen was two tablets (one Samsung, one Apple iPad, plus charging units) and a Square, which the club uses for scoring and purchases respectively.
Since the theft, the club experienced a decline in revenue at games over the weekend as fewer people carry cash on them, and officials were forced to score games by hand.
“They’ve also taken the club meat that was put away frozen, the chocolate, chips and our spirits,” Mr Jubb said.
“We have no way of getting money until we work out what we can do without the technology, which was a big part of our revenue.
“That’s what’s made it hard to keep running because not many people use cash anymore.”
Mr Jubb said he hoped someone would be willing to come forward, and hoped the tablets and Square could be returned.
“We work really hard for what we do at the club,” he said.
“It is really disappointing people don’t respect the little clubs in the district enough to worry about what their actions can do to others.”
Anyone with information which could assist police inquiries is encouraged to contact the Warrnambool Police Crime Investigation Unit on 5560 1333 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.