Repeated acts of vandalism against a Glenrothes sports club are “deeply disheartening”, a councillor has said.
John Beare has called on members of the community to support Glenrothes Cricket Club after its premises were attacked for the third time in the space of a fortnight.
Earlier this week a stolen quad bike was parked beside the club’s canteen and set alight in an apparent attempt to burn the structure down.
It comes just days after two other sprees at the Gilvenbank Park premises, where security and storage equipment were vandalised.
Mr Beare, who represents North Glenrothes, has praised the club for its commitment to the town, despite numerous setbacks.
“That the cricket club seem to be the subject of regular vandalism is deeply disheartening,” he said.
“It must be soul destroying for the club and its volunteers, who provide a valuable service and a positive sporting outlet for those from four to 74.
“That they keep going and regroup after every attack is a testament to their commitment. I understand that the club is to meet with the local police team on Monday to examine what additional measures can be taken, in addition to the resources already directed at detecting and preventing the ongoing attacks at the club.”
Although the club has experienced great success on the field, its premises at Gilvenbank Park, as well as its former home at Riverside Park, have often attracted the attention of criminals.
Only two months ago vandals tore up £5,500 worth of turf from the club’s playing surface just days before the start of the new season.
At its previous home at Riverside Park the club had also been hit by vandals, who damaged specially-made protective covers for the playing surface.
This latest attack has once again seen the club’s CCTV system and water pipes targeted. Playing facilities were also damaged, with practice nets burned after being cut last week.
Given the repeated damage to the club’s property, chairman Eddie Gibbs has called on police to catch those responsible.
“Enough is enough, never once does there appear to be any sort of ongoing investigation,” he said.
“The club is continually shelling out money it simply doesn’t have to keep on top of the vandalism and allow for training and matches to continue.”
Inspector Derek Paxton from Police Scotland said that efforts were being undertaken to catch and deter those responsible.
“In order to address this issue, we have increased daily patrols of the area. Glenrothes Community Investigation Unit are looking in to all the crimes that have occurred at the club.
“We are keen to work with the club to find a long term solution to the problem and to that end myself, a representative from Fife Council and a local councillor will be meeting a representative of the cricket club at the club premises on Monday to discuss these matters and look to identify practical steps that can be taken combat the problem.
“We are currently focusing our efforts on identifying the culprits for the various crimes that have occurred at the club and I would appeal to anyone who can assist in those inquiries to phone 101.”
Picture by George McLuskie