Sam Ciccia, Gary Campbell and Troy Kerford from Fountain Gate’s Auskick with Jacob, Luke, Lachlan, Jordan and Jake are urging council for better security after three break-ins in the past six weeks.
By Kelly Yates
THIEVES have targeted a local football club for the third time in the past six weeks, stealing their donated raffle prizes and soft drinks.
Fountain Gate’s Auskick clinic is based at the Max Pawsey Reserve and attracts more than 180 budding footballers, family and friends every week.
Casey CIU Detective Sergeant Garry Kear said thieves broke into the store room at 12.45am last Saturday morning.
Det Sgt Kear said a witness saw three youths at the roller door, smashing the two padlocks, but then fleeing towards Fountain Drive.
Coordinator of the Fountain Gate Auskick Troy Kerford said the community was frustrated with the continual break-ins.
He said council needed to install a better security system, suggesting a grill bar on the roller door.
“The coaches are fed up. We need extra security more than anything,” he said.
Mr Kerford said that the thieves had used bricks to smash through the locks.
Casey councillor Lorraine Wreford said that break-ins were common in the area, as many of the clubs were based in an isolated area.
She said with other clubs, council had placed bars on windows and installed security cameras as a precautionary measure.
“To get a grill bar placed on the roller door is a reasonable request and I’m fairly confident council would help the club,” she said.
“Security is paramount for any sporting club.”
The Springfield Ward councillor said she would investigate the issue further.
Police are calling for any witnesses to contact Detective Senior Constable Brian Whitehead at the Narre Warren Police Station on 9705 3111.
