'We are heartbroken': Berwick Rangers home ground suffers 'major damage' after being raided by thieves
Criminals suspected of causing nearby gas leak which sparked evacuation
Last updated 12th Sep 2023
Berwick Rangers has revealed the Shielfield Park ground it shares with the town's speedway has suffered "major damage" following a break-in.
The recently upgraded club store, which had been topped up with official merchandise, was targeted by thieves overnight last night (Monday), leaving its front door smashed.
The Lowland League side says it's working with Northumbria Police to help catch those responsible.
A number of vehicle keys used by Berwick Bandits have also been reported missing.
It's claimed a golf buggy - similar to one seen on CCTV racing round the track around 3am - crashed into a house a short distance away - sparking a gas leak, which forced residents to be evacuated from their homes.
It's believed the thieves escaped towards the Roberts Lodge area, via Prior Road.
One resident said: "They caused utter chaos. They travelled up to our housing estate through an alley way. When they left the estate, back down through the same alley, they hit the gable end of a house - smashing the gas meter and pipe off the wall.
"Half the court had to be evacuated from their houses, from around midnight till 4am."
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The football club has described the raid as a "hammer blow" to the team of directors, staff and volunteers who put so much time and effort into running the club.
It said: "For Berwick Rangers, the club shop has taken the brunt of the damage and theft. The shop was upgraded in the close season, and we also invested significant money into having club merchandise and strips available on site for our loyal fans to purchase.
"All of this came as we were working hard to prepare for a trading standards inspection, which the club passed with flying colours. However, rather than being able to celebrate another success for the club, we are heartbroken to have to inform you of yet more criminal damage, setting back our work.
"We would kindly ask that if anyone finds any keys in the surrounding area of Shielfield Park, and in nearby housing estates, to please hand them in to Berwick Rangers FC or Northumbria Police. Following last night's theft, this has left Berwick Bandits Speedway with no access to their club vehicles (Tractors, Wagons etc)."
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Police have confirmed they are investigating. A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At about 6.45am today (Tuesday) we received a report of a burglary at Berwick Rangers Football Club that occurred overnight.
“A full investigation has been launched into the incident and anyone found to be responsible will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230912-0152.”
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