A string of break-ins at sporting venues across Melton is becoming an ongoing nightmare for sports clubs.
Melton Waves, Melton Centrals Cricket Club and Melton Golf Club were all hit by burglaries last Tuesday.
The cricket club was broken into three times last week, taking the number of incidents there in the past few months to 10.
The club, also home to Melton Junior Football Netball Club, was broken into six times in six weeks and a shed containing $30,000 worth of cricket equipment was set alight.
“It’s just been a nightmare . . . it really has,” Melton Centrals president Andrew Sweeney said.
“It’s incredibly frustrating that this continues to happen.
“You have a club that’s worked really, really hard for a long time to position itself as a leading sporting group, and this happens.
“We’re here to provide opportunities for kids and it’s taking that away.”
Sweeney said the club had been forced to hire a security guard to watch over the premises.
Acting Detective Sergeant Andrew Button said thousands of dollars worth of “mindless damage” had been caused in the break-ins.
“We don’t want these sporting clubs and public facilities damaged because they’re there for everyone,” Acting Detective Sergeant Button said.
“It’s disappointing that offenders target these types of places given their community value.”
Police have questioned two Melton males, aged 14 and 19, over the most recent break-ins.
One faced court last week over previous offences at the same venues.
Acting Detective Sergeant Button said a number of new security measures had since been put in place at the venues.
He urged sports clubs to be mindful of security measures and to contact police if they need advice.
“It’s a worrying trend and we obviously aim to reduce it as much as possible,” he said. “Any assistance from the public is appreciated.”
Anyone with any information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
