AFC Portchester chairman slams 'scumbag' who broke into club grounds and stole charity box

AFC Portchester, in Wicor Recreation Ground, Cranleigh Road, was broken into between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

During the break-in a window was smashed, a coronavirus protection screen was broken and a charity box was taken from the bar.

Chairman Paul Kelly says that he spent most of yesterday clearing up the debris, and is outraged that someone would have the audacity to do this.

He said: ‘Fortunately nothing was stolen except for the charity box, which didn’t have very much money in it anyway.

‘But with the damage sustained it will probably cost the club £400.

‘They turned out all the cupboards to look for cash – it feels like we’ve been targeted and whoever is responsible is a total scumbag.’

Since the start of the coronavirus lockdown, AFC Portchester has been playing its part in supporting the community, bringing food to vulnerable residents and delivering prescriptions.

Mr Kelly said: ‘Given what we’ve been doing since lockdown this feels like a real slap in the face.

‘I hope the person who did this is taking a good look at themselves this morning. They must either be desperate or stupid.

‘We’re looking through the CCTV today so we’ll have more answers soon.’

The incident has also been reported to Hampshire Constabulary, and officers are investigating.

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