Vandals target football club in St Albans for a second time
9:22am Tuesday 17th November 2009 in
THIEVES have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage at a football club on the New Greens Estate in St Albans for a second time.
The culprits left a costly trail of destruction when they broke into the pavilion and changing rooms at the William Bird Open Space football pitches, in Toulmin Drive, some time over the weekend.
St Albans District Council contractors John O’Conner Ltd arrived on the morning of Saturday, November 14, to carry out routine work and found the building flooded.
The vandals are thought to have caused some £5,000-worth of damage by smashing a skylight and removing copper pipes, which led to the severe water leaks.
It is the second time the football club has been targeted by thieves. Repairs following the last break-in were in excess of £5,000 and the the district council expects the cost of repairs this time to be around a similar sum.
Councillor Sheila Burton, portfolio holder for sport and healthy living, said: “It is very sad that thieves and vandals have caused all this damage for a second time, disrupting the local football teams’ games for a couple of weeks.
"Once again football matches have had to be cancelled whilst the damage is repaired.”
The nine football pitches and changing rooms will be closed for about two weeks while the heating and water pipes are repaired.
Police are investigating the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Clubs who wish to book the pitches or find out about lettings or opening hours, can telephone John O’Conner Ltd on 0800 345 7405 or 01727 847394.
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