Crook Town AFC appeals over ‘heartbreaking’ break-in

The incident took place overnight at The Footballers Bar at Crook Town AFC on Friday (May 8), where intruders forced entry, stealing cash and alcohol and leaving behind extensive damage.

As well as gaining access to the building, those responsible caused “severe damage to the interior of the clubhouse and till.”

In a statement shared online on Saturday, the club said: “Last night, The Footballers Bar was broken into with cash and alcohol being stolen, as well as damage caused by entry and severe damage to the interior of the clubhouse and till.”

Crook Town AFC (Image: CROOK TOWN AFC)

CCTV images of the suspected intruders have been captured and passed to police, who are now investigating.

The club has urged anyone with information, “however small”, to come forward to assist officers with their enquiries.

Crook Town AFC highlighted the vital role the clubhouse plays within the local area, describing it as a hub not just for football, but for life’s most important moments.

“Our clubhouse is well used on match days but also for our town’s birthdays, christenings and wakes, as well as local companies to aid our community’s learning,” the club said.

The venue also serves as a crucial support space during the winter months, offering warmth and companionship to elderly residents.

Crook Town AFC has included CCTV images in its post below:

“We also use it as a warm space in the winter to help the local elderly,” the statement added.

“So to have someone undo all our brilliant work, all done by volunteers, is utterly heartbreaking.”

The club says it works tirelessly to provide facilities the town can be proud of, making the incident all the more painful.

“We work hard to give you all a ground and its facilities, to be proud of,” the statement continued.

“For this to happen just breaks the soul and uses cash to remedy that could be used elsewhere when money is so tight for us all already.”

Despite the setback, Crook Town AFC has been buoyed by messages of support and is now focusing on helping police identify those responsible.

“Anyone who may have information, however small, that you think can help us, please come forward,” the club said.

Police enquiries remain ongoing.