Yobs smash way into revamped clubhouse

Thieves smashed their way into a cricket clubhouse that had been revamped in a bid to steer youths away from anti-social behaviour.

The yobs caused thousands of pounds of damage to Birstall Village Cricket Club's base, at School Lane playing fields, Birstall, yesterday morning.

Shutters were ripped down and the bar was trashed as the thieves – believed to be two youths – ripped out wooden paneling to get to the safe.

They made off with it – but dumped an empty till on the playing fields.

The attack has left volunteers at the club devastated.

Junior cricket coach Andy Corbett said: "It's heartbreaking.

"They broke through the shutters, smashed the windows, and smashed their way in to get to the safe. They've ripped up the bar to get at the safe. It's a right mess in here.

"They've caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

"We are trying to get kids off the streets and encourage them to play cricket rather than cause trouble. These lads must be local – it is really disappointing. I have defended young people and then this happens."

The clubhouse was believed to have been targeted at about 6am. A dog-walker on the playing fields disturbed the thieves and rang police.

Police forensics experts spent the morning at the scene collecting fingerprints and DNA samples.

Mr Corbett said he believed that one of the culprits had injured themselves and left some blood at the scene – and then used a plaster from the club's first aid kit.

Rob Drake, the club's head coach for the juniors, said: "It brings a tear to your eye to see this. All this hard work we do – and then someone goes and does this. We're so disgusted."

Only a small amount of cash was believed to be in the safe and the club is insured for the damage.

Yesterday morning, club volunteers were working to clean up the mess and make the building safe again.

Mr Corbett said: "Everyone has really rallied round to help. The police have been brilliant. They were here very quickly."

Just six months ago, volunteers at the cricket club declared it a "vandal-free" zone.

A mural of famous cricketers was painted on the building last year after an appeal for help from Mercury readers.

It was hoped that improving the venue would deter vandals from attacking it.

The club had suffered a number of graffiti attacks in the past, but had not had any problems for the last 20 months.

A police spokeswoman said they had received a report of the crime at about 5.56am. Anyone with information can contact Pc Rich Melody, on 0116 222 2222.