By Natalie Gallenti and Belinda Nolan
Detectives from the Brimbank Burglary crew have confirmed they are investigating a series of burglaries committed on the city’s sports clubs
on Tuesday.
At around 11pm the thieves forced their way into the Cairnlea Football Club, breaking a roller door and smashing through another glass door
before stealing a 50-inch plasma television.
Police believe a number of other clubs were hit on the same night.
Members of the Cairnlea FC are fuming over the incident which they say is the latest in a long line of robberies at their club.
President Beige Hussein said it was the 10th time the soccer club had been burgled since moving to the Furlong Rd premises three years ago.
Mr Hussein said the club believed they had been “targeted” by vandals, and didn’t know what further measures they could take to keep the club
safe.
Mr Hussein said in the past three years, five televisions and a cash register were among an extensive list of stolen items.
During the latest burglary, the thieves forced their way onto the premises through the back door, which now had to be repaired.
Mr Hussein said the countless robberies put a financial strain on the club, which is run solely by volunteers. “We have to do a lot of fundraising to buy these things,” he said.
He said Brimbank Council had also incurred financial pressure as it was responsible for repairing any damage made to the facilities.
“Members are angry and frustrated.
“We’ve had enough now. We won’t be replacing the TV; it’s only a matter of time before it gets stolen again.
“It’s a low act, picking on a voluntary organisation.”
Club secretary Yagiz Adal said even recently installed cameras did not prevent the robbers from entering the property.
“We’re scratching our heads as to what we can do,” Mr Adal said.
“This is a good club, but some people are feeling uneasy now.”
Senior Constable Rifat Gedik from the Brimbank Burglary Unit said police were investigating several burglaries committed on sports clubs on
Tuesday night and believed they could be linked.
He called for any witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Sen Const Gedik on 9365 3333.
