A GAA club in Co Tyrone has said it has been broken into and “ransacked” as it hosts a summer camp for children.
Stewartstown Harps said “mindless thugs” first tried and failed to break into the club’s brand new gym, before moving on to the “heart of our club” at the pavilion where damage was caused to “most doors and windows until they finally gained access”.
A club spokesperson said the building was “ransacked” as those behind the break in began “stealing anything in sight”.
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In a social media post, Stewartstown Harps GFC said: “It’s with great sadness that we sit tonight to write this post.
“Some time overnight on Monday/Tuesday, mindless thugs attempted to break into our brand new fully equipped gym. The gym is something we have fundraised for, worked tirelessly for, and which our community has contributed to making possible over the last few years. It is an investment in the future of our Club, our young people, and our community.
“When their plans failed they hit us at the heart of our club, our pavilion. Damage has been caused to most doors and windows until they finally gained access. They ransacked every drawer, cupboard, and store room; making a mess and stealing anything in sight.”
Appealing to the public, the club statement continued: “This is where we need your help; we would ask if anyone has seen or heard anything they might have thought suspicious; people, vehicles, etc. on Mullaghmoyle Road, late Monday night, early hours of Tuesday morning please get in contact with any of our committee members.
“One last word, the people who thought they could damage the pride of our Club. You didn’t. On our busiest week of the year during the Tyrone summer camp, our volunteers still supported the 60+ children, that walked out onto our pitch this morning with a smile on their face and a football in their hand, oblivious to the chaos that you caused inside.
“We would like to thank the Tyrone camp coaches for their understanding and for keeping all the kids smiling. That is the community spirit we build and maintain every day.
“We can fix the damage, we can replace the things you have stolen. Our club will continue to do what we do best – play football, celebrate our Gaelic heritage, work hard together to provide modern facilities fit to train future stars and maintain a safe place for every person in our community. Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.”
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police are appealing for information and witnesses in relation to a report of a burglary at a sports club in the Mullaghmoyle Road area of Stewartstown earlier this week.”
Sergeant Cloughley said: “Entry was gained to the premises sometime between 11.30pm on Monday 22nd July, and 10am on Tuesday 23rd. Cash was taken, together with items of gardening equipment, and a quantity of fuel and heating oil.
“It was also reported that the suspects had attempted to force entry to a shed containing gym equipment. Enquiries are ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who might have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area at the time, or who might have any information which could assist us, to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 415 of 23/07/24.”
The police spokesperson added: “Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”
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